Nigeria defeat Jamaica, win 2025 Unity Cup
Nigeria’s Super Eagles emerged victorious in the Unity Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Jamaica at Brentford Community Stadium in London on Friday night.
The match, which ended 2–2 in regular time, saw Nigeria seal the victory with a 5–4 scoreline in the ensuing shootout, marking their third Unity Cup title after previous triumphs in 2002 and 2004.
The Unity Cup, which celebrates the cultural and sporting ties between African and Caribbean communities, featured four nations this year: Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Hosted in London from May 27 to 31, the tournament drew football fans from diverse backgrounds, many from the diaspora.
In a pulsating final, Nigeria took the lead early on through a well-placed finish by striker Victor Boniface, only for Jamaica to respond minutes later through a stunning equalizer.
The Super Eagles went ahead once more in the second half, but Jamaica, undeterred, levelled the match just before the final whistle, pushing the contest into penalties.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero during the shootout, saving a crucial Jamaican spot-kick to hand Nigeria the title.
Nigeria’s head coach praised his team’s composure under pressure, calling it “a proud moment for every Nigerian, both at home and abroad.”
With this win, the Super Eagles continue their dominance in the Unity Cup, reinforcing their status as a continental powerhouse with a strong global fanbase.