The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the 10-man Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Friday night.
Super Eagles interim head coach Finidi George opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers preferred in attack ahead of Sadiq Umar.
New boy Benjamin Tanimu made his debut, with Calvin Bassey named among the substitutes.
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who made a return to the team after missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a muscle injury, was handed the captain’s armband.
Nigeria dominated the opening exchanges, keeping the Black Stars at bay.
Dessers and Iheanacho were, however, unable to convert some of the chances they created.
The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute after a Ghanaian defender handled the ball inside the box. Dessers took up the responsibility and coolly slotted the ball into the net. It was the 29-year-old’s second goal for the three-time African champions.
Ghana were reduced to 10 men four minutes before the hour mark.
Substitute Ademola Lookman scored the second goal for Nigeria seven minutes from time after he was set up by a brilliant pass from Alex Iwobi.
Ghana were awarded a penalty in stoppage time following a poor tackle by Bright Osayi-Samuel on Antoine Semenyo.
Jordan Ayew scored the penalty to reduce the deficit.
Nigeria will face the Eagles of Mali in their second friendly next Tuesday.
Friendly: Super Eagles pip 10-man Black Stars 2-1 in Marrakech
