Nigeria will seek to retain their Unity Cup title against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in Saturday evening’s final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in west London.
The Super Eagles, winners of the tournament’s only previous edition in 2004, booked their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Wednesday night, whilst Jamaica edged Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday to set up the continental clash.
Neither side had it easy reaching the final. The Reggae Boyz led 2-0 against the Soca Warriors only to see their opponents draw level before a fortuitous added-time penalty secured their victory.
Nigeria also led 2-0 after just 19 minutes against Ghana and looked to be coasting to a resounding win, only to take their feet off the pedal. Ghana’s youthful ensemble, led by veteran Jordan Ayew, had the momentum for much of the second half, and after Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back in the 70th minute, came very close to netting an equaliser in added time before goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali rose to the occasion.
For coach Eric Chelle, Saturday presents an opportunity for a third win in four matches in charge of the three-time African champions. The prospect of holding a trophy after only four matches makes it more appealing.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Waliu Ojetoye and Junior Nduka, midfielder Saviour Isaac and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Nathan Tella and Adamu Abubakar, who sat out the win over Ghana, will be hopeful of getting minutes alongside Germany-based wing-back Felix Agu, now cleared to represent Nigeria. Former junior international Benjamin Frederick called up in place of the absent Christantus Uche, will also be hopeful of seeing action.
This year’s tournament has delivered on the sporting, cultural and friendship platforms, fulfilling the organisers’ objectives for different races in the United Kingdom to bond better and experience cutting-edge entertainment.
