Nigeria 3-0 Jamaica: Yusuf nets brace, Moffi strikes as Super Eagles retain Unity Cup

The Super Eagles of Nigeria retained control of the Unity Cup final with a composed 3-0 victory over Jamaica at The Valley in London, once again proving too strong for the Reggae Boyz in the competition’s showpiece event. Eric Chelle’s side entered the contest as defending champions after beating Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Jamaica had also secured a comfortable win over India to reach the final. The meeting was expected to be closer following Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout triumph in the 2025 final, but the African side produced another disciplined and clinical display to lift the trophy once again. Nigeria made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes.

A long throw into the penalty area caused confusion in the Jamaican defence, and goalkeeper Boyce-Clarke could only parry the ball into the path of Alhassan Yusuf, who reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and give his side an early advantage. That early goal allowed Nigeria to settle into a dominant rhythm, controlling possession and dictating the tempo for much of the first half. Jamaica struggled to build sustained attacking phases, repeatedly losing the ball under pressure from Nigeria’s organised midfield. Terem Moffi and Femi Azeez were constant threats in advanced areas, particularly down the left flank.

Moffi’s movement stretched the Jamaican backline, while Azeez impressed with his pace and creativity after also shining in the semi-final win over Zimbabwe. Jamaica nearly found a way back into the match shortly before the hour mark when Kaheim Dixon chased a loose ball inside the box amid defensive confusion. Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo came under pressure in the challenge, with Dixon going down, but the referee waved away strong penalty appeals from the Reggae Boyz. Nigeria responded in ruthless fashion.

In the 59th minute, Azeez delivered a precise cross from the left and Moffi rose highest to power a header beyond the goalkeeper, doubling the lead and effectively sealing control of the final. The three-time Africa champions remained in command as the match wore on, comfortably managing proceedings despite a few Jamaican substitutions and brief spells of pressure. Azeez continued to influence play and came close to adding a goal of his own, but was denied by the goalkeeper. The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Yusuf struck again, calmly finishing to complete his brace and round off a dominant performance.

Nigeria saw out the closing moments professionally to secure a second consecutive Unity Cup triumph. Wale Adejumo Copyright ANS