The Super Eagles of Nigeria emerged 5-4 penalty shootout victors in the Unity Cup final after battling to a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Jamaica at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, Footynaija.com reports.
In an action packed game filled with moments and talking points, the Super Eagles took the lead in both halves of the game through skipper Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze but defensive lapses saw the Reggae Boys level matters on both occasions.
After a highly entertaining game that went all the way in London, Footynaija.com takes a look at how each Super Eagle fared against the Reggae Boys.
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GK: Stanley Nwabali – 6.0
The Chippa United shot-stopper didn’t have much to do for large parts of the game but when called upon on a couple of occasions, he made himself big and protected his post. To be fair, he couldn’t have done much to prevent both of Jamaica’s goals.
RB: Sodiq Ismaila – 6.5
Ismaila had a decent game at right back for the Super Eagles. His involvement in the attacking third was great to watch. However, his defending left a bit more to be desired at times, especially during the build up to Jamaica’s first goal.
CB: Benjamin Frederick – 6.8
Benjamin was making his senior international debut having represented Nigeria’s junior sides in the past. The 20-year-old Brentford starlet looked at home at the heart of defense with his composure on the ball and well timed tackles proving crucial.
CB: Igoh Ogbu – 6.8
Agu followed up his impressive debut with another great outing for Nigeria. Alongside Frederick, the Slavia Prague defender marshalled that Super Eagles defensive area with authority for the better part of the game.
LB: Felix Agu – 6.5
Making his first appearance in Nigeria colours, Agu displayed the capabilities that made him one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season. In defense, he was solid and further up the pitch, he combined well with Simon.
CM: Wilfred Ndidi – 7.0
As usual, Ndidi made that middle of the park his playground, dominating the area with effortless guile and showing why he is one of the better defensive midfielders in Europe.
CM: Frank Onyeka – 7.0
Onyeka complimented his midfield partner Ndidi all game and together they helped the Super Eagles stay on the front foot for most parts of the game.
AM: Nathan Tella – 6.8
The Bayer Leverkusen star was a delight to watch throughout his time on the pitch. He would probably have liked to affect the game more in the final third but he can take solace in his assist for Nigeria’s second goal.
LW: Moses Simon – 7.5
Making his 80th appearances for Nigeria, Simon fired the Super Eagles into the lead inside ten minutes of first half football. He continued to provide a dangerous attacking outlet throughout the game and was on hand to convert Nigeria’s second penalty in the shootout.
RW: Samuel Chukwueze – 7.5
Chukwueze has been the star turn for Nigeria in this competition. The Milan star followed up his great display against Ghana with an even more brilliant display against the Reggae Boys. He started the attack that led to Nigeria’s opener before bagging the second himself.
ST: Cyriel Dessers – 7.0
Although he couldn’t add to his international tally on the night, Dessers went from scorer in the semi-final to provider in the final after setting up Simon for the opener.
Substitutes
Tolu Arokodare – 6.5
The big center forward came on in place of Tella just after the hour mark and he immediately made his presence felt in the final third. He converted Nigeria’s third penalty in the shootout.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6.5
Iheanacho looked lively after coming on for the final fifteen minutes of the game in London. He troubled the Jamaican backline and forced a save off their goalkeeper. His composure from six yards set Nigeria on their way to victory in the shootout.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 6.5
Onyemaechi has to settle for a place on the bench after starting in the semi-final against Ghana. Nevertheless, his substitution into the game proved to be a masterstroke as he helped Nigeria stay on the front foot for the final minutes before converting their fourth spot kick in the shootout.
Christantus Uche – 6.0
The Getafe midfielder made his Super Eagles debut in the final minutes of the game. In his brief time on the pitch, Uche impressed with his strong running from midfield into the final third. The debutant had the final say as he converted Nigeria’s winning penalty.
