Nigeria will aim to cap off a spirited campaign with silverware when they take on Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday evening at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
The Super Eagles, who won the only previous edition of the tournament in 2004, are chasing a second title and enter the final with growing belief under new head coach Eric Chelle.
Victory would mark three wins from four matches under the Franco-Malian tactician and a first trophy barely a month into his reign.
Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Ghana booked Nigeria’s place in the final, though the performance left room for improvement.
After racing to a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes, the Eagles lost control and were forced to rely on a late save from Stanley Nwabali to avoid a nervy equaliser.
Chelle will hope for greater composure and discipline against a Jamaica side that showed both resilience and good fortune in their own semi-final.
The Reggae Boyz edged Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in a topsy-turvy contest, clinching the win through a stoppage-time penalty after letting a 2-0 lead slip.
Their mix of physicality and attacking pace will test a Nigerian team expected to rotate, with Maduka Okoye, Nathan Tella, Felix Agu, and Tolu Arokodare among those pushing for minutes.
The Unity Cup, revived to promote cultural unity and sporting excellence, has delivered an entertaining showcase so far. Now, with the trophy on the line, Nigeria will look to reaffirm their pedigree and send a statement under new leadership.
