Unity Cup 2025: Ghana coach Otto Addo reflects on slim loss to Nigeria

Photo Credit - Ghana Black Stars.

Head coach of Ghana’s male national team, Otto Addo has reflected on the team’s 2-1 loss against Nigeria in their opening 2025 Unity Cup.

The Black Stars conceded two first half goals - one from Cyriel Dessers and an own goal by Razak Simpson before Brandon Thomas-Asante notched home a consolation in the 70th minute at the GTech Stadium in London on Wednesday May 28.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Addo highlighted his satisfaction with the team’s second-half display and the promise shown by several players. “Like I said, it’s not always easy, especially when we have players that haven’t often played together,” he stated. “I think Nigeria had a more mature team that could adapt faster. We had problems getting into the duels to press well, but also to defend well,” he said.

“The second half was really good, I have to say. Though we lost, I’m happy about the second half. We saw some talents… we saw some players really be positive, and I’m looking forward to seeing them again,” he remarked.

Ghana will now face Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place playoff on Saturday, May 31 while Nigeria meet Jamaica in the final. Jamaica defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 3-2 in the first semi final game.

The two games are a dress rehearsal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September with the four time African champions leading their group with 15 points from six games.