Despite losing the Unity Cup final on Saturday, Jamaica head coach James McClaren has praised Nigeria’s performance in the match.
The Super Eagles defeated the Reggae Boyz on penalty shootout after regulation time had ended in a 2-2 scoreline.
How it happened
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Nigeria had defeated neighbors Ghana 2-1 in their semifinal tie while Jamaica got the better of Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the other semifinal.
The Super Eagles were off to a flying start when Nantes winger Moses Simon, got on the end of a brilliant cross by Cyriel Dessers in the ninth minute for a 1-0 lead.
Jamaica hit back almost immediately when a low cross beat Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, allowing Kaheim Dixon to slot into an empty net.
Samuel Chukwueze put the African side ahead once again in the second half after brilliant buildup, although Jamaica equalized once more through Jon Russell.
The match ended 2-2 at the Gtech community stadium in Brentford, with penalty shootout required to decide a winner between both sides.
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Jamaica lost one of their five spot-kicks while Nigeria scored all five to seal a first Unity Cup title.
What McClaren said
In the post-game conference, McClaren praised the Nigerian team, recognizing the quality the team was made of.
“I’ve got to say, a very good Nigerian team full of quality players who play across Europe and the United Kingdom,” McClaren said.
“You see the way that they move the ball. They don’t give the ball away. Admiring them, but for our team to deal with that was a credit.”
What next?
Nigeria face Russia in a friendly match in Moscow on the 6th of June. The Super Eagles then face Rwanda and South Africa in a World Cup qualifying doubleheader in September, with their hopes of representing Africa in 2026 hanging in the balance.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
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