Super Eagles of Nigeria claim 2025 Unity Cup with penalty shootout win over Jamaica

Summary

• Nigeria’s Super Eagles lifted the 2025 Unity Cup after edging Jamaica 5–4 in a penalty shootout, following a 2–2 draw in regulation time at the Gtech Community Stadium in London.
• Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze scored Nigeria’s goals, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made crucial saves. Successful penalties from Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Christantus Uche sealed the win.
• It’s Nigeria’s second Unity Cup title after their 2004 victory, and coach Eric Chelle’s first trophy since taking charge in January 2025.Super Eagles claim 2025 Unity Cup 

London — The Super Eagles of Nigeria clinched the 2025 Unity Cup in dramatic fashion, defeating Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 5–4 on penalties after a pulsating 2–2 draw on Saturday, May 31, at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London.

The victory underscores Nigeria’s resilience and squad depth, achieved despite the absence of stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

This marks Nigeria’s second Unity Cup title, having first won the competition in 2004. It also represents a milestone for head coach Eric Chelle, who celebrated his first piece of silverware since his appointment earlier this year.

Part of a four-nation tournament celebrating Afro-Caribbean heritage, the final saw Nigeria strike first in the ninth minute through Moses Simon, who converted a pass from Cyriel Dessers.

Jamaica responded swiftly, with Kaheim Dixon levelling just three minutes later. Nigeria reclaimed the lead early in the second half thanks to Samuel Chukwueze’s goal, but Jon Russell’s 63rd-minute equaliser forced a shootout.

In the tense penalty decider, Iheanacho, Simon, Arokodare, Onyemaechi, and Uche all converted for Nigeria, while Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson missed the decisive kick.

Under Chelle’s leadership, the Super Eagles blended seasoned internationals with standout talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Key contributions came from players like Sodiq Ismaila, who assisted in the semifinal against Ghana, and debutants such as Igoh Ogbu and Sikiru Alimi.

Social media buzzed with praise for Chukwueze, Felix Agu, and Dessers, who combined for three goals and an assist during the tournament. Nwabali’s performance in goal also drew widespread acclaim.

The 2025 Unity Cup marked the competition’s return after a 21-year hiatus. Featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, matches ran from May 27 to 31. Nigeria’s path to the final included a gritty 2–1 semifinal win over Ghana, dubbed the “Jollof Derby”, secured by a Dessers goal and a Razak Simpson own goal, despite late pressure from the Ghanaians.

Beyond football, the tournament celebrated shared cultural ties among Afro-Caribbean communities, especially within London’s diaspora.

Reflecting on the campaign, Chelle noted that the Unity Cup served as both a proving ground and preparation for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. “This win shows our unity and hunger,” he said, emphasising the importance of blending local and overseas talent.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria thrill the crowd after victory over Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz

The result sparked jubilant reactions from fans online, with posts referencing Nigeria’s football dominance and cultural pride, complete with shoutouts to “Jollof rice” and “suya.”

With a June 6 friendly against Russia on the horizon, Nigeria will hope to carry this momentum forward as they continue to shape a formidable squad for the challenges ahead.