Nigeria defeated Jamiaca 3-0 to claim another Unity Cup title at The Valley on Saturday. With all eyes on Budapest and the Champions League final, there was a trophy to be won in south London, and the Super Eagles retained their crown with a comfortable win.
Alhassan Yusuf netted a brace for Eric Chelle’s side, who are still coming to terms with the fact that they will not be playing at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while Terem Moffi also nodded home from Femi Azeez’s cross as the African side ran riot in the second half.
It was a game lacking in any real quality, but the flashes of brilliance on show from some of Nigeria’s lesser-known stars had them coasting past their final opponents. Jamaica had a penalty claim waved away as Arthur Okwonkwo clattered Kaheim Dixon as the forward latched onto a loose ball amid uncertainty at the back for the holders. Yusuf netted late in second-half stoppage time to wrap up a fourth Unity Cup for the Super Eagles, who are set for a summer on the sofa.
Nigeria vs Jamaica latest updates
Live updates
Goal! Nigeria 2-0 Jamaica
59 mins: It’s two, and Moffi doubles the Nigeria lead. The Super Eagles stream dangerously down the left, with an inch-perfect cross from Azeez into the striker to nod home.
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
58 mins: No penalty! Dixon is alive to the loose ball amid confusion in the Nigeria defence and he looks to latch onto it... but he goes down under challenge from Okwonkwo! No penalty, says the referee!
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
54 mins: Another Nigeria long throw with Moffi in the box and Azeez peeling away to the edge of the box. It’s actually worked short in the end, and the Super Eagles waste the chance...
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
51 mins: Emotions spill over as Brown goes down under a hefty challenge from Ogbu, but it’s dealt with quickly by Sam Barrott.
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
48 mins: That’s nicely done by Azeez tight to the right touchline to get out of a sticky situation. He plays it infield for Tijani inside, but the ball is lost.
Kick off!
46 mins: Back underway.
HT: Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
There’s the interval. The Super Eagles lead thanks to Yusuf’s opener. It’s been a game lacking in quality.
What will the second half have in store?
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
43 mins: Nothing is clicking for the Reggae Boyz when they do get a spell of possession. Clarke is the next to send a pass straight out of play.
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
40 mins: A slower tempo as Nigeria continue to knock the ball about comfortably. Jamaica are chasing shadows at the moment, and just cannot get the foot on the ball.
Nigeria 1-0 Jamaica
36 mins: Moffi is causing some danger peeling into the left channel here. Clarke and Cover are having a tricky time keeping him quiet.