Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 on Friday mid-afternoon in an international friendly at the Stade de Marrakech.
Coach Otto Addo handed starting berths to Ati Zigi in post, Edmund Addo started in heart of defence alongside Jerome Opoku whiles Ernest Nuamah started as the center forward with Jordan Ayew and Semenyo put on the wings in a 4:3:3 formation.
With Nigeria, Wilfried Ndidi after missing the last AFCON due to injury, returned and captained the side with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in goal. Frank Onyeka, Sami Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, all made the cut alongside Scottish-based striker Cyriel Dessers.
The Nigerians started explosively and were dominant in every aspect of the game and tested Ati-Zigi on two crucial occasions in the opening fifteen minutes but FC ST Gallen goalkeeper was equal to the tasks.
The Black Stars, on the other hand, looked very off and were struggling to put accurate passes together and even create chances especially in the early stages.
After a huge appeal for a penalty against Patrick Kpozo, the Super Eagles finally won themselves a penalty on the 34th minute after the ball appeared to have touched Jerome Opoku's hand in the box.
Scottish-based striker Cyriel Dessers stepped up and converted beautifully to hand Nigeria the lead.
Few minutes after going down, Ernest Nuamah did well to put Antoine Semenyo through with a good pass but the AFC Bournemouth striker blasted wide for a goal-kick.
Back from recess, the Black Stars bounced back stronger after Ebenezer Annan and Tariq Lamptey were introduced in the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho made a very explosive run from the middle heading towards enemy territory and drive but went off target.
Inside 54 minutes, Tariq Lamptey sent in a pinpoint cross right on the head of Jordan Ayew but his header was dealt with nicely by Stanley Nwabali.
On the 83rd minute, Nigeria doubled their lead through Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman who scored at a close range after a good build up.
Jordan Ayew finally pulled one back for Ghana from the spot on the 93rd minute as it finished 2-1 for Nigeria after full time.
The four-time African champions will face the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday, March 26, at the same venue.
