Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has said his side is fully focused on retaining the Unity Cup title ahead of Saturday’s final against Jamaica in London, the United Kingdom.
Nigeria and the Reggae Boyz secured their spots in the final after both teams recorded 2-0 wins over Zimbabwe and India respectively in the semi-finals.
Saturday’s encounter will mark the third meeting between the Super Eagles and Jamaica in the history of the Unity Cup, the Afro-Caribbean football tournament that also celebrates music and culture in London.
In last year’s final, Moses Simon handed Nigeria an early advantage before Kaheim Dixon restored parity for Jamaica moments later.
The Super Eagles regained the lead shortly after the restart through Samuel Chukwueze, but Jon Russell equalised again for the Reggae Boyz.
Nigeria eventually triumphed via penalties after converting all five spot-kicks, while Dwayne Atkinson missed Jamaica’s decisive effort over Stanley Nwabali’s crossbar.
Although Simon and Chukwueze are absent from this year’s squad, the Super Eagles impressed in Tuesday’s semi-final clash against Zimbabwe, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice in a dominant display.
Jamaica also advanced confidently after Courtney Clarke opened the scoring against India before Kaheim Dixon added a second goal.
Speaking ahead of the final, Chelle insisted his team is mentally prepared for every possible outcome, including another penalty shootout.
“Penalties are part of the game, and it can decide who wins a match. Every time I go into a game, I have the mentality to win.
“This is the culture I have put in these boys – the winning culture. I don’t know if Saturday’s game will end in penalties; what I know is that I have prepared my team to win.
“These are very young players with a bright future and they are hungry for success at any level. So, on Saturday, we will see how the game is decided, but we surely have prepared to win and defend the Unity Cup.”
