Jamaica 2 Nigeria 2 (4-5 on pens): Simon, Chukwueze on target; debut boy Uche scores winning penalty

Nigeria claimed the Unity Cup title with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over Jamaica after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Gtech Community Stadium in London.

The Super Eagles got off to a dream start, taking the lead inside the opening minutes through Moses Simon. 

But Jamaica responded immediately, as Kaheim Dixon levelled just moments later in what set the tone for a fiery and end-to-end contest.

After a tense and occasionally ill-tempered first half, Nigeria regained the lead in the 53rd minute when Samuel Chukwueze produced a brilliant individual finish, cutting inside before drilling the ball into the bottom corner. 

But just as the Super Eagles looked to assert control, Jamaica once again struck back, this time through Jonathan Russell who turned in a dangerous cross from Cephas in the 64th minute to make it 2-2.

Both sides pushed for a winner late on, with Wilfred Ndidi going close for Nigeria and Jamaica threatening on the counter. 

However, the match ultimately went to penalties after neither team could find the decisive goal in the final stages.

In the shootout, both teams kept their nerve in the early exchanges. Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon, and Tolu Arokodare scored for Nigeria, while King, Hayden, and Morrison responded for Jamaica. 

However, Atkinson’s miss, smashing his effort against the crossbar, handed Nigeria a crucial advantage.

Bruno Onyemaechi made no mistake with his effort to put Nigeria 4-3 up, and although Bell kept Jamaica alive with a composed finish, the spotlight fell on debutant Christantus Uche. 

The Getafe midfielder, who came off the bench in the second half, calmly dispatched his spot-kick, sparking jubilant celebrations as Nigeria secured a 5-4 shootout win to lift the Unity Cup.

The result crowns a strong tournament for Nigeria, who had earlier seen off Ghana in the semi-finals. 

For Jamaica and manager Steve McClaren, it was a brave effort, but ultimately heartbreak in the final chapter of a memorable return for the Unity Cup.

Wale Adejumo

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