Super Eagles clinch Unity Cup in dramatic penalty shootout

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have retained the Unity Cup in dramatic fashion, edging out Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, 31 May.

The victory marks Nigeria’s second triumph in the tournament’s history, having first lifted the trophy in 2004.

Their title defence began with a gritty semi-final win over arch-rivals Ghana earlier in the week, setting the stage for a fiercely contested final against the Reggae Boyz.

A match packed with drama

From the first whistle, it was clear this was no ordinary friendly. Six yellow cards were brandished, and tempers flared in a match that felt more like a high-stakes showdown.

Nigeria struck early, with Moses Simon slotting home inside ten minutes after a pinpoint delivery from Cyriel Dessers.

But Jamaica hit back almost instantly—Renaldo Cephas, a constant menace down the left, whipped in a superb cross for Kaheim Dixon to tap in.

The Super Eagles regained the lead shortly after half-time thanks to a moment of magic from AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze. Cutting inside onto his left foot, he curled a clinical finish into the bottom corner.

Yet Jamaica refused to fold. Cephas was again the architect, tearing down the flank before picking out Jonathan Russell, who fired past Stanley Nwabali to level at 2-2.

Nigeria piled on late pressure, with Wilfred Ndidi rattling the post in stoppage time, but penalties loomed.

Shootout heartbreak for Jamaica

The spot-kicks were near-flawless—until Dwayne Atkinson’s effort cannoned off the crossbar.

That opened the door for Christantus Uche, who coolly converted the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans.

What this means for Nigeria

This victory not only cements Nigeria’s dominance in the Unity Cup but also provides a morale boost ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

For Jamaica, there were positives—particularly in Cephas’s electrifying performance—but the wait for silverware continues.