Chapter 29: Clash with Ghana (2)
The first half was winding down, but the tempo never dropped.
David remained composed, reading the flow of the game. Ghana was strong, but they had weaknesses.
And he was beginning to see them.
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In the 40th minute, Ghana attacked down the left.
Their winger, quick and powerful, surged forward, cutting inside.
David tracked the play, anticipating the pass.
The moment the ball was played toward Ghana's striker, David stepped in.
A clean interception. No hesitation.
He turned sharply and launched a precise diagonal ball to the right wing.
Nigeria broke forward.
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Ibrahim received the pass and drove toward the box.
David sprinted up in support, timing his run perfectly.
Ibrahim spotted him—a quick cutback pass.
David had space.
One touch. Shot.
The ball rocketed toward goal—only for the Ghanaian keeper to parry it away at full stretch.
A collective groan from the Nigerian fans.
David exhaled, unfazed. The chances would come.
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The halftime whistle blew.
0-0.
The teams walked off, sweat dripping, minds racing.
As David entered the tunnel, he remained calm.
The second half was where the real battle would begin.
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The second half kicked off with renewed intensity.
Both teams knew the importance of the first goal. It would shift the momentum, set the tone.
David positioned himself deeper, controlling the tempo.
He wasn't just reacting anymore—he was dictating.
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Ghana pressed high, trying to force mistakes.
David remained unfazed, using quick touches and body feints to evade challenges.
In the 52nd minute, he received the ball near the center circle.
A Ghanaian midfielder lunged in.
David sidestepped him smoothly, barely breaking stride.
With one glance up, he spotted space behind Ghana's backline.
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A perfectly weighted pass followed—splitting the defense.
Ibrahim latched onto it, outpacing his marker.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation.
One-on-one with the keeper.
Shot.
The net rippled.
GOAL!
Nigeria 1-0 Ghana.
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The players rushed to celebrate.
David remained composed, jogging back to position.
One goal wasn't enough. The match wasn't over.
And he knew—Ghana would respond.
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Nigeria had the lead, but the match was far from over.
David watched as Ghana immediately increased their pressure. They weren't backing down.
The next ten minutes were a battle for control.
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Ghana pushed forward relentlessly.
Their captain, a towering midfielder, started dictating play, spraying long passes and orchestrating attacks.
David adjusted, positioning himself to cut off passing lanes.
In the 64th minute, Ghana's winger darted down the flank, sending in a dangerous cross.
Their striker rose high—header!
The ball dipped toward the goal, but Nigeria's keeper reacted swiftly, pushing it over the bar.
Close call.
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Nigeria needed another goal.
David knew sitting back would be a mistake.
In the 70th minute, he made his move.
Receiving the ball near midfield, he turned sharply and drove forward.
A Ghanaian midfielder stepped in—too slow.
David shifted the ball past him and accelerated.
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Ibrahim made a run to the left.
David feinted as if to pass, drawing a defender out of position—then cut inside instead.
Space opened up.
25 yards from goal.
David set himself, then struck the ball cleanly.
It sailed through the air, curving toward the far post.
The Ghanaian keeper dived—too late.
GOAL!
David clenched his fist as his teammates swarmed him.
Nigeria 2-0 Ghana.
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The match was slipping away from Ghana, and they knew it.
They launched desperate attacks, but David and the Nigerian defense held firm.
Minutes ticked away.
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The final whistle blew.
Nigeria had won.
David exhaled, taking in the moment.
This was just the beginning. Bigger battles awaited.