The expectations of many Nigerians were high going into the semi-final encounter between the home eagles and their Ghanaian counterparts, having earlier shown great determination in qualifying for the match by coming from three goals down to beat Morocco four goals to three in the quarter final match. Many believed that the team must have put behind it the series of poor outings leading to the semi-final encounter against Ghana.

But right from the beginning, the local eagles were outplayed by the Ghanaians who were more aggressive, resulting in two Nigerians sustaining injuries early into the match. The aggression of the Ghanaians would later earn them a red card, making them to play a greater part of the match a man short. Despite that, Nigeria could not capitalize on the deficit to win the match even beyond regulation time.

The match had to be decided by penalty after it was stalemated in extra time. Ghana defeated Nigeria four goals to one. And by that result, Nigeria will now play against Zimbabwe in the third play match.