Cyriel Dessers Scores As Nigeria Take Lead Against Ghana in Intense Friendly Encounter

• Cyriel Dessers has opened the scoring as Nigeria take the lead against Ghana
• Both rival West African teams engage in a friendly match in Marrakech Morocco
• It has been a cagey affair in Morocco but the Super Eagles have the advantage

Nigeria have taken the lead in the much-talked-about friendly match played inside the Marrakech Stadium, Morocco on Friday afternoon, March 22.

Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring from the spot in the 36th minute to give the Super Eagles the advantage in the cagey encounter.

A powerful shot by Leicester City star Kelechi Iheanacho from outside the box was handled in the area by a Ghanaian defender, and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot.

Dessers, who has been in impressive form for his Scottish side, Rangers, this season stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

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The 29-year-old has now scored two goals in four appearances for the national team. His first goal for the country was in 2022 when he netted the equaliser in Nigeria's 2-1 loss to Mexico at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States, ESPN reports.

Both teams matched each other for most parts of the first half, but the Super Eagles seemed to be the hungrier side and they grabbed the much-deserved lead.

Finidi George's side took the lead into the tunnel, but Otto Addo's side are expected to fire from all cylinders in the second half. Nigeria will play another friendly on Tuesday, March 26 at the same venue.

The matches serve as tune-up games ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which return in June.

Osimhen ruled out of March friendlies

Sports Brief earlier reported that Victor Osimhen will not be part of the matches as the 25-year-old was an unused substitute in Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday.

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It was gathered that the forward barely trained in the last few days due to an inflammation of the scar from an old injury.

Napoli's caretaker coach, Francesco Carlzona, confirmed that the striker is yet to fully recover.