LONDON, England — The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a dramatic 5–4 victory on penalties over Jamaica to win the Unity Cup on Saturday, May 31, 2025, after an entertaining 2–2 draw in regulation time at the Brentford FC Stadium in London.
Nigeria, the defending champions from the 2004 edition, reclaimed the trophy in its second staging, thanks to Christantus Uche’s decisive penalty after Dwayne Atkinson struck the crossbar for Jamaica in the shootout.
Eric Chelle’s men, fielding a mix of established stars and debutants, took the lead in the 9th minute when Moses Simon finished a low cross from Cyril Dessers at the near post.
But Jamaica responded swiftly.
Three minutes later, Kaheim Dixon pounced on a loose ball at the far post to slot into an empty net after a low cross crept through the Nigerian backline and past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The match remained level into halftime despite chances at both ends.
But Nigeria struck again in the 54th minute through Samuel Chukwueze, who danced past three defenders in a central position before firing low into the far corner to restore the lead.
However, the Reggae Boyz refused to back down.
John Russell punished more slack defending in the 64th minute, ghosting into the box to convert another precise delivery from the left, making it 2–2.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the tie proceeded to penalties.
Both teams converted their first four spot kicks with confidence before Atkinson’s miss handed Nigeria the advantage.
Christantus Uche, with the weight of the match on his shoulders, calmly dispatched Nigeria’s fifth penalty to clinch the win and spark jubilant scenes on the Eagles’ bench.
The match marked a significant step in the Eric Chelle era, with the coach securing his first trophy since taking charge of the national team.
The Unity Cup also saw debuts for Benjamin Frederick and Felix Agu, while Dessers earned another starting opportunity alongside Simon and Chukwueze.
The Unity Cup victory offers a morale boost as Nigeria gears up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON preparations.
With Chelle’s tactical tweaks, a deepening player pool, and signs of renewed cohesion, the Super Eagles are signalling intent for a new chapter of success.
