Chelle vows: Eagles will defend Unity Cup crown in London

Nigeria’s Head Coach Eric Chelle has declared that the Super Eagles are fully prepared to retain the Unity Cup trophy when they face Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in Saturday’s final in the British capital.

Both teams advanced with 2-0 victories in their semi-final matches, Nigeria overcoming Zimbabwe courtesy of a brace from debutant Femi Azeez, while Jamaica defeated India with goals from Courtney Clarke and Kaheim Dixon.

The final marks the third meeting between the sides in the history of the Afro-Caribbean mini-tournament, which celebrates football, music, and culture.

Last year’s encounter was decided on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Nigeria converting all five spot-kicks and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali denying Dwayne Atkinson.

Despite the absence of Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, who scored in that contest, Chelle insists his youthful squad is ready to rise to the occasion.

‘Penalties are part of the game, and it can decide who wins a match. Every time I go into a game, I have the mentality to win. This is the culture I have put in these boys, the winning culture.

‘I don’t know if Saturday’s game will end in penalties; what I know is that I have prepared my team to win. These are very young players with a bright future and they are hungry for success at any level,’ Chelle said.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will look to showcase their depth and resilience against a Jamaican side equally determined to lift the trophy.