Alhassan Yusuf scores twice as Super Eagles beat Jamaica to successfully defend the Unity Cup title.
- +Alhassan Yusuf Nets Brace As Nigeria Defeat Jamaica To Retain Unity Cup
Nigeria retained the Unity Cup title with a commanding victory over Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at The Valley in London on Saturday.
Nigeria retained the Unity Cup title with a commanding victory over Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at The Valley in London on Saturday.
USA-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi scored twice, while stand-in captain Terem Moffi added the second goal as the Super Eagles produced a confident display to defeat their Caribbean opponents.
Abdullahi opened the scoring in the fourth minute after reacting quickest when Jamaica goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke punched away a long throw-in from Kenneth Igboke.
The early goal gave Nigeria control of the contest, with the Super Eagles dominating possession and creating several chances while limiting the Reggae Boyz’ attacking threat.
Head Coach Eric Chelle made only one change to the side that defeated Zimbabwe in the semi-final, bringing in Rafiu Durosinmi for Philip Otele, as the three-time African champions maintained their impressive form throughout the tournament.
Jamaica threatened in the eighth minute when Brown connected with a cross from Kaheim Dixon, but goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was equal to the effort.
Nigeria nearly doubled their advantage in the 35th minute, but Durosinmi’s effort was well saved by Boyce-Clarke.
The Super Eagles eventually got their second goal in the second half when Moffi headed home a precise cross from Femi Azeez.
Azeez continued to trouble the Jamaican defence and came close to scoring himself, but Boyce-Clarke produced a smart save from a free-kick.
Nigeria sealed victory in added time when substitute Philip Otele set up Abdullahi, who fired an angled shot beyond the goalkeeper to complete his brace and secure the Unity Cup for the Super Eagles.
The victory ensured Nigeria successfully retained the Afro-Caribbean tournament title after another impressive performance under Chelle.
The Super Eagles will next face Poland in an international friendly at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.
