The Black Stars' hopes of reaching the final of the 2025 Unity Cup were dashed on Wednesday night following the defeat to Nigeria.

Ghana lost 2-1 at the G-Tech Community Stadium in the second semifinal game as they missed out on a spot in the last two.

The game, despite only being a friendly, was an opportunity for some players to stake a claim in the national team.

Four players made their national debut in the game against the Super Eagles: Aaron Essel, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Mohammed Fuseini and Caleb Yirenkyi.

FC Nordsjaelland midfielder Yirenkyi came off the bench at the start of the second half and left a huge impression on the minds of many.

Despite being played out of position, the Right to Dream academy graduate was heavily involved in Ghana's attacking threats down the right and found himself in some good positions to nick a goal.

However, it wasn't meant to be as Otto Addo's side suffered defeat.

However, the 19-year-old's performance was one that left fans buzzing on social media.

When passion sets in

At this point I was only happy Caleb Yirenkyi & Christopher Baah were balling..lol

@ghanafaofficial #UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/OImYSZnHHH

— Frank Darkwah (@Blaqqkoffi) May 29, 2025

Ashimeru, Baller Baah Bonsu, Caleb Yirenkyi and Brandon Thomas-Asante were the Black Stars' standouts against the Eagles. The local players are below the bar and should not be called up to the Black Stars.

— gideonfoli (@gideonfoli7) May 28, 2025

Caleb Yirenkyi impressed on his debut against Nigeria, showing composure and solid midfield control despite Ghana's 2-1 loss. pic.twitter.com/32tePFS8mx

— Black Stars Hub (@BlackStarsHub) May 28, 2025

An impressive debut by Caleb Yirenkyi…he showed real commitment after coming off the bench. His passing accuracy was solid as well. I hope he continues to earn call-ups to the team as he keeps improving.

— Kennedy Ansah (@kennedyansah_) May 28, 2025

I didn't want to believe in Caleb Yirenkyi hype but you know what, he's made a believer out of me

— Kwaku (@KwekuCofie) May 28, 2025

Caleb Yirenkyi
Outstanding 45mins at RB.
—Composed & energetic.
—Strong defensive awareness with good interceptions.
—Precise passing that aids smooth build-up play from the back.

We’ve always had talent,the real gap is in coaching.#BlackStars #UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/2Xwei9BDVK

— PK (@_falsewinger) May 28, 2025

If “give me the chance lemme show the world what I have” was a person

Caleb Yirenkyi
What a performance pic.twitter.com/y58yvbJHm2

— (@kojo_WaltersUTD) May 28, 2025

Caleb Yirenkyi….the only positive to pick from this awful game

— H ¡ M (@_b_e_rn_a_r_d_) May 28, 2025

Caleb Yirenkyi
I wasn't familiar with your game!
Immense potential. Wow!

Baah-Bonsu & Ebenezer Annan

— King David (@KDHGoldbars___) May 28, 2025