By Olaitan Ibrahim
Nigeria held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to beat Jamaica 5-4 after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, securing the Unity Cup title at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
The Super Eagles twice surrendered their lead during a fiercely contested 90 minutes, but ultimately triumphed thanks to Christantus Uche, who slotted home the decisive penalty to seal the victory.
The match marked the return of the Unity Cup for the first time since 2004, when Nigeria last lifted the trophy. On this occasion, the game delivered plenty of drama and intensity, despite being billed as a friendly.
Nigeria took an early lead when Moses Simon converted from close range after Cyriel Dessers whipped in a dangerous ball. But Jamaica responded swiftly as Renaldo Cephas tore down the flank and delivered a perfect cross for Kaheim Dixon to finish. The game was level at half-time, but Nigeria regained the advantage shortly after the break. Samuel Chukwueze, surrounded by defenders on the edge of the box, created space for himself and fired a low shot into the net.
Jamaica hit back once again just past the hour mark. Cephas was instrumental for a second time, breaking away on the wing and picking out Jonathan Russell, who beat Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a composed finish.
Despite a flurry of late pressure from Nigeria, including a close attempt from Wilfred Ndidi, the match remained deadlocked and went to penalties.
Both teams began the shootout flawlessly, converting their first three spot-kicks. The breakthrough came when Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson struck the crossbar. Although Amari’i Bell kept Jamaican hopes alive by converting his penalty, Uche calmly delivered the winning strike to crown Nigeria champions once more.