Otto Addo Applauds Black Stars’ Resilient Second-Half Display Despite 2-1 Defeat to Nigeria

Coach Otto Addo has lauded the Black Stars’ determination and marked improvement in the second half of their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria during the 2025 Unity Cup semifinal at London’s GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday evening. Despite the disappointing loss, Addo emphasized the positive signs shown by the team after halftime, expressing optimism about the potential displayed by several players.

The match began on a difficult note for Ghana, as they conceded two goals in the first half. The first came from a clinical finish by Cyriel Dessers, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Nigeria the lead. The situation worsened when Ghana’s Razak Simpson inadvertently scored an own goal, doubling Nigeria’s advantage before the break. The Black Stars appeared disorganized during the opening 45 minutes, struggling to match Nigeria’s intensity and composure in front of goal.

However, the tone of the match shifted significantly after the interval. Ghana emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy and determination, pressing higher and creating more chances. This shift was partly sparked by the introduction of substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante, who made an immediate impact. In the 70th minute, Thomas-Asante produced a brilliant volley to reduce the deficit, injecting belief into the Ghanaian side and giving the fans hope of a comeback.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coach Addo expressed his pride in the team’s resilience and improved performance in the second half. He pointed out that despite the result, the game offered a valuable opportunity to test new players and observe emerging talents under competitive conditions.

“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,” Addo said. His remarks reflect a coach focused on long-term progress rather than short-term disappointment.

The Black Stars’ squad for the match was a blend of youth and experience, largely due to the absence of several key internationals who were unavailable for selection. Addo used this opportunity to give playing time to debutants and players on the fringes of the national team, allowing them to gain valuable experience on an international stage. This approach highlights the coach’s intent to build depth in the squad as Ghana prepares for the crucial World Cup qualification matches ahead.

Despite falling short of reaching the final, Addo remains confident that the encouraging second-half performance can serve as a foundation for future success. He believes that with continued development and team cohesion, Ghana can improve their competitiveness on the international stage.

Looking forward, the Black Stars will compete in the third-place playoff against Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday. Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Jamaica in the final. Although the semifinal loss was a setback, Addo and his squad are determined to finish the tournament on a strong note and use the experience to sharpen their preparations for the challenges ahead.

In summary, while the defeat to Nigeria was disappointing, Coach Otto Addo found much to praise in the Black Stars’ performance, particularly their fightback and improved cohesion after halftime. The experience gained by the younger players and the glimpses of promise give the team a positive outlook as they focus on their upcoming goals, including the World Cup qualifiers. Addo’s calm and optimistic approach underlines his commitment to nurturing talent and steadily building a team capable of competing at the highest levels.