The Super Eagles of Nigeria are refusing to take anything for granted ahead of Saturday’s 2026 Unity Cup final against Jamaica at Charlton Athletic Stadium in London.
- +Super Eagles wary of Jamaica ahead of Unity Cup final
Head coach Eric Chelle has praised the squad that defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal, but the Malian tactician hinted on Thursday that he could still make adjustments to his lineup, tactics and overall approach for the clash against the Reggae Boyz.
Head coach Eric Chelle has praised the squad that defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal, but the Malian tactician hinted on Thursday that he could still make adjustments to his lineup, tactics and overall approach for the clash against the Reggae Boyz.
Nigeria and Jamaica faced off in the final of the same competition on May 31, 2025, battling to an entertaining 2-2 draw before the Super Eagles prevailed 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy they previously won in 2002 and 2004.
The inaugural edition of the Unity Cup in 2002 featured only Nigeria and Jamaica, with the Super Eagles winning courtesy of a lone strike from former Nigeria U17 captain James Obiorah.
Two years later, the Republic of Ireland joined the tournament, but Nigeria still emerged as champions, with Bartholomew Ogbeche finishing as top scorer with three goals. It was also the competition where Obafemi Martins announced himself on the international stage with a goal on his Nigeria debut.
Ahead of Saturday’s final, Chelle is expected to continue experimenting with the relatively fresh squad he brought to London. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is likely to retain his place after keeping a clean sheet against Zimbabwe.
The defensive quartet of Chibueze Oputa, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu and Obinna Igboke could also remain unchanged following their impressive display in the semifinal. Ogbu, who plays for Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic, made his breakthrough with the senior national team during last year’s Unity Cup.
In midfield, Tochukwu Nnadi may once again partner Alhassan Yusuf and former Nigeria U17 captain Samson Tijani, while Terem Moffi, Philip Otele and debut hero Femi Azeez are expected to lead the attack.
Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho remains available for selection, alongside midfielder Tosin Oyedokun and forwards Owen Oseni and Rafiu Durosinmi, who all impressed after coming off the bench against Zimbabwe.
Azeez’s confident performance on debut, where he scored twice, delighted the technical crew and further raised expectations ahead of the Jamaica showdown.
The winger became the first player to score twice on his Nigeria debut since Mathias Obianika achieved the feat in the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory over Burkina Faso 55 years ago.
