The Super Eagles were crowned champions of the 2025 Unity Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Jamaica at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.
It was an exciting final from the start, with Nigeria taking an early lead in the 9th minute through Moses Simon, who finished off a brilliant low cross from Cyriel Dessers.
However, the celebrations were short-lived, as Jamaica hit back almost immediately Kaheim Dixon pounced on a loose ball to level the score, setting the tone for a fiery and end-to-end encounter.
After an intense and occasionally heated first half, Nigeria regained the lead in the 53rd minute when Samuel Chukwueze cut inside from the right and buried a low shot into the bottom corner.
But again, Jamaica responded. Jonathan Russell finished off a dangerous delivery from Cephas just over ten minutes later to bring the score to 2-2.
With both sides pushing for a late winner, Wilfred Ndidi went close for the Super Eagles, while Jamaica remained dangerous on the counter.
However, neither team could find a breakthrough before full-time, and the match was decided on penalties.
In the shootout, Atkinson’s powerful strike crashed off the crossbar, giving Nigeria a crucial edge.
Bruno Onyemaechi converted confidently to make it 4-3. Although Jamaica’s Bell scored to keep his side in it, the spotlight soon fell on debutant Christantus Uche.
Having missed the opener against Ghana due to visa issues, the Getafe midfielder stepped up and slotted home the winning kick, sealing a 5-4 shootout win for Nigeria.
The triumph marked Nigeria’s second consecutive Unity Cup title.
It also saw debuts for several promising talents, including defender Benjamin Fredrick, fresh off a title-winning season with Brentford U21, and Felix Agu.
