'The way they move' - Jamaica coach admires good Super Eagles team who don't give the ball away

Jamaica coach Steve McClaren was full of praise for the Super Eagles after his side’s narrow defeat in the Unity Cup final on Saturday evening at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Reggae Boyz pushed a strong Super Eagles side all the way, signaling continued progress on the international stage.

The match ended 2-2 in regulation time before Nigeria triumphed 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout, with Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche scoring the game-winning spot kick on his international debut.

Nigeria took the lead twice through Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, showcasing their attacking flair and technical quality.

However, Jamaica responded brilliantly with goals from Kaheim Dixon and Jon Russell to take the match to penalties.

The Super Eagles had a one hundred percent record in the shootout, with Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Bruno Onyemaechi also converting their kicks, while Dwayne Atkinson missed his penalty.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, McClaren was complimentary of Nigeria's style of play. 

Despite the heartbreak, the Jamaica coach praised his team’s resilience and viewed the match as a valuable experience. 

"I've got to say, a very good Nigerian team full of quality players who play across Europe and the United Kingdom," McClaren said. 

"You see the way that they move the ball. They don’t give the ball away.  Admiring them, but for our team to deal with that was a credit."

Up next, Eric Chelle's team face 2018 World Cup hosts Russia in a glamour friendly in Moscow on June 6.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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