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.
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In years gone by
There have been three other Unity Cups in the 21st century, all held in London.
The first, back in 2002, was the pilot, played between just two teams - Nigeria and Jamiaca. It was held at QPR’s Loftus Road, with Nigeria wining out 1-0 thanks to James Obiorah’s winner.
Today's venue
The tournament is being held at Charlton Athletic’s home, The Valley, in south-east London.
Last year, it was played at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, as Nigeria won the title for a third time since the competition’s 2002 inception.
Standard Sport prediction
Despite their lack of big names, you would expect Nigeria to win this and retain their title.
Femi Azeez enjoyed a stellar campaign for his club this season, helping Millwall secure a third-placed finish in the Championship as the Lions came within an inch of promotion to the top flight.
He scored a double on debut earlier this week, and you would expect him to weave his magic once more here.
Nigeria to win, 2-0.
Jamaica team news
While the Reggae Boyz had the big hitters out last year, including the mercurial Ravel Morrison, their squad is slightly less star-studded this time around.
Isaac Hayden is the standout man in the engine room, while Bailey Cadamarteri is the key forward. His brother Caelan is also in the squad.
Joel Latibeaudiere, the Coventry defender, is also included after he helped his side to promotion to the Premier League.
Nigeria team news
Eric Chelle does not have any of his superstars in the squad, but there are some standout names regardless in the Super Eagles’ side.
Arthur Okwonkwo, the former Arsenal shot-stopper, is the go-to goalkeeper, making his international debut on Tuesday, and the same could be said about Femi Azeez, the Millwall winger.
Terem Moffi, the Porto striker on loan from Nice, is also one of the striking options.
The same can be said of Plymouth’s Owen Oseni.
Can I watch this game in the UK?
No, you cannot watch this game in the UK, either on TV or via live stream, despite it being held at Charlton Athletic’s home ground, The Valley.
Hello and welcome
... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the Unity Cup final between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Plenty to get excited about this evening at The Valley, despite all eyes seeming to be on what’s happening in Budapest.
Still, if this is where you feel like you need to be, then stay tuned for all the updates here, with kick off at 7.30pm.