By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nigeria defeated perennial rivals Ghana 2-1 in a keenly contested friendly at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Friday.
The Black Stars almost the entire second half with 10-men after Jerome Opoku was sent off for poor tackle in the 57th minutem
The Super Eagles were awarded a penalty on 35 minutes after a Ghanaian defender handled the ball inside the box.
Cyriel Dessers converted the spot kick to hand Nigeria the lead going into the break.
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 after Bright Osayi-Samuel brought down Antoine Semenyo.
Jordan Ayew scored the spot kick to reduce the deficit.
Nigeria will face the Eagles of Mali in their second friendly next week Tuesday.
Ghana will also face the Cranes of Uganda on same day.
