Super Eagles’ Unity Cup Victory Restores Nigerians’ Confidence in the Team — Iroha

Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha told Completesports.com that the Super Eagles’ victory in the 2026 Unity Cup demonstrates the national side is gradually regaining its full potential under coach Eric Sekou Chelle.

Speaking from his base in Texas, United States, Iroha noted that the 3‑0 win over Jamaica in the final has restored confidence among Nigerians in the senior team.

Super Eagles Return to Winning Ways With Convincing Display

Alhassan Yusuf scored the opening goal in the third minute, followed by Terem Moffi’s strike in the 59th minute. Yusuf added a second goal in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing a comfortable 3‑0 triumph and allowing Nigeria to retain the Unity Cup title.

Also Read: Yusuf Bags Brace, Moffi Scores As Super Eagles Thrash Jamaica 3‑0 To Retain Unity Cup

The result extended Nigeria’s dominance over Jamaica, giving the Super Eagles three wins, one loss and four draws in their eight encounters.

Iroha Hails Team for Rebuilding Nigerians’ Confidence

“First, I must say congratulations to the team. They have made us proud and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians by winning the Unity Cup,” Iroha said when Completesports.com contacted him shortly after the match.

“It’s good they lifted the trophy, but the most important thing is the way they played. They have restored Nigerians’ confidence in the team.”

Also Read: Unity Cup: Chelle Opens Up On World Cup Qualification, AFCON 2025 Disappointments

“In the two games they played, we saw a team gradually returning to its former form and quality. That’s very important. If they maintain this form, we won’t have to struggle in major competitions,” Iroha added.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Will Provide Real Test

Asked whether the current squad could succeed in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, where Nigeria is drawn in Group L with Guinea‑Bissau, Madagascar and Tanzania, Iroha said it is still early to predict but the team has shown enough promise to earn Nigerians’ trust.

“We’ve seen them play two games. Their performances, not only the results, are encouraging. But it’s still too early to predict. I think they have shown signs that Nigerians can believe in them,” he said.

Sab Osuji

I’m Sab Osuji, a sports journalist with over 35 years working experience. I’ve worked in several media houses, print in particular, and have covered many international engagements, such as CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, All Africa Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, AFCON and World Cup qualifying games amongst other major tournaments.