Nigeria clinched the Unity Cup title with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Jamaica, following a pulsating 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Gtech Community Stadium in London.
The Super Eagles started brightly as Moses Simon struck within minutes, but Jamaica’s Kaheim Dixon responded almost immediately.
After a tense, scrappy first half, Nigeria regained the lead through Samuel Chukwueze in the 53rd minute with a superb solo effort.
Yet once again, the Reggae Boyz answered, Jonathan Russell finishing off a pinpoint Cephas cross in the 64th minute to level the tie at 2-2.
Both sides pushed for a late winner, with Wilfred Ndidi going close and Jamaica looking dangerous on the break, but neither could land the final blow in regulation time.
In the shootout, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon and Tolu Arokodare converted for Nigeria, matched by successful efforts from King, Hayden, and Morrison for Jamaica.
The turning point came when Atkinson rattled his penalty off the crossbar.
Bruno Onyemaechi held his nerve to put Nigeria ahead 4–3, and although Bell kept Jamaica alive, debutant Christantus Uche, who joined the squad late due to visa issues, buried the decisive penalty to seal a 5-4 victory.
Uche’s calm finish capped a strong tournament for Eric Chelle’s side, who had defeated Ghana 2-1 in the semi-final.
The win marks a morale-boosting triumph for Nigeria ahead of their international friendly against Russia on June 6.
