Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has declared that the Super Eagles are mentally ready for any challenge ahead of Saturday’s Unity Cup final against Jamaica in London, Footynaija reports.
The final at the Gtech Community Stadium brings back memories of last year’s dramatic contest, when Nigeria defeated the Reggae Boyz on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time. Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze scored for the Super Eagles that day, while Kaheim Dixon and Jon Russell twice brought Jamaica level before Dwayne Atkinson missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.
This year’s final comes after both teams secured convincing semifinal victories. Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 thanks to a brace from debutant Femi Azeez, while Jamaica saw off India by the same scoreline through goals from Courtney Clarke and Dixon.
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Although several stars from last year’s triumph are absent from the current squad, Chelle believes his new-look side has the mentality needed to retain the trophy and continue building confidence ahead of future international assignments.
“Penalties are part of the game, and they can decide who wins a match. Every time I go into a game, I have the mentality to win,” Chelle said.
“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. So, on Saturday, we will see how the game is decided, but we surely have prepared to win and defend the Unity Cup.”
Nigeria’s recent record in shootouts has been mixed. The Super Eagles lost on penalties to Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before beating Egypt in the third-place playoff shootout.
Victory over Jamaica would hand Chelle another trophy with Nigeria and strengthen the team’s momentum before preparations begin for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.
