Christantus Uche converted the winning penalty as Nigeria defeated Jamaica 5-4 in a penalty shootout to clinch the Unity Cup, defending the title they won 19 years ago.
The friendly competition was hosted at Gtech Community Stadium, Premier League club, Brentford’s home ground, and staged for the first time since 2004, when the Super Eagles first got their hands on the trophy.
They lifted the Cup again here, following a 2-2 draw in full time the shootout began with six perfect penalties. Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson then stepped up and smashed his effort off the top of the bar and over.
Amari’i Bell ensured he no mistake with his spot-kick to keep Jamaica in it, but Uche had the decisive moment as he calmly hit the back of the net to ignite the Nigerian celebrations.
It had been a beautiful and an entertaining 90 minutes in west London, with the six (6) yellow cards and several flashpoints suggesting the two sides were viewing this as much more than just a post-season friendly.
Moses Simon placed Nigeria in front inside ten minutes, netting from close range after Cyriel Dessers had played a dangerous ball into the middle, however, Jamaica were level almost immediately.
Renaldo Cephas was a constant trouble to Nigeria throughout the showdown and he created the leveller, charging down the left wing and producing a amazing cross for Kaheim Dixon to provide the finishing touch.
No more goal from either side into the break, before Nigeria again made a quick start to a half. Samuel Chukwueze, at first, appeared to be crowded out when the ball came to him on the edge of the box, but the AC Milan star worked it onto his left foot and drilled a finish into the bottom corner.
The Island country equalised for a second time just after the hour mark and in familiar style. Cephas broke free out wide and his delivery was once again stunning, with Jonathan Russell the man to this time fire past Stanley Nwabali.
The Unity Cup is an international football tournament held in London.
Only four (4) teams from CAF and CONCACAF participate in the tournament; Nigeria has emerged the current Champions after beating Jamaica. The West African country is the most successful team in the tournament with three (3) titles.
The competitors are countries with large diasporas in London.
Photo: X/@NGSuperEagles
