Super Eagles set for Unity Cup title defence against Jamaica

Cup holders Nigeria are preparing for Saturday’s Unity Cup final against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at Charlton Athletic Stadium in London, treating the match as a crucial test.

Head coach Eric Chelle has praised the squad that beat Zimbabwe 2‑0 in the semi‑final, and he said on Thursday that he may adjust personnel, tactics, and strategy for the upcoming encounter with the familiar opponents.

The Super Eagles and Reggae Boyz drew 2‑2 in the 31 May 2025 final of the mini‑tournament, but Nigeria won 5‑4 on penalties to retain the trophy, which they first claimed in 2002 and 2004 – the only previous editions of the competition.

The Unity Cup’s inaugural edition in 2002 featured only Nigeria and Jamaica, with Nigeria winning 1‑0 thanks to a goal by former U17 captain James Obiorah. In 2004, the Republic of Ireland joined, but Nigeria again emerged champion, with Bartholomew Ogbeche scoring three goals to become the top scorer.

That same year, Obafemi Martins scored on his debut for Nigeria, marking his entry into the squad.

For Saturday’s match, Chelle may experiment further with the largely new group he has taken to London. England’s Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who kept a clean sheet against the Warriors in the semi‑final, is likely to start.

The defensive line could remain unchanged with Chibueze Oputa, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu and Obinna Igboke, who all performed well against Zimbabwe. Igoh Ogbu, who plays for Slavia Prague, earned his first senior cap at last year’s Unity Cup.

In midfield, Tochukwu Nnadi – who featured in Nigeria’s last Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco – may pair with US‑based tackler Alhassan Yusuf and former U17 captain Samson Tijani. Forward line options include Terem Moffi, Philip Otele and two‑goal hero Femi Azeez.

Cyprus‑based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is also available, as are midfielder Tosin Oyedokun and forwards Owen Oseni and Rafiu Durosinmi, who impressed as substitutes in the semi‑final.

Azeez’s confident performance against Zimbabwe, scoring twice on his debut, has pleased the coaching staff. He became the first debutant to score two goals for Nigeria’s senior team since Mathias Obianika achieved the feat in a 4‑0 win over Burkina Faso 55 years ago.

On Thursday, the Super Eagles trained at Cray Valley ahead of the official session at The Valley on Friday.

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