Nigeria retained the Unity Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Jamaica at The Valley on Saturday night, claiming a fourth consecutive title in the competition, Footynaija.com reports.
Alhassan Yusuf scored twice, Terem Moffi headed in the second, and Eric Chelle’s experimental squad produced their most complete performance of the tournament when it mattered most.
Here is how each player rated.
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Arthur Okonkwo — 8/10
Kept a clean sheet on his second senior appearance, making a sharp low save in the second half when Jamaica briefly threatened. Commanded his box with confidence for a 24-year-old making his way at international level. What a debut week!
Chibueze Oputa — 7/10
The Enugu Rangers centre-back was composed throughout, winning his aerial duels and making timely interceptions. Started his senior international career with a clean sheet in the semi-final and backed it up here. A fine week for Nigerian domestic football.
Obinna Igboke — 7/10
Solid alongside Oputa in the heart of defence. Dealt with Jamaica’s physical strikers without fuss and rarely looked troubled. The Rangers pairing at centre-back gave Chelle exactly what he needed.
Chibuike Nwaiwu — 6/10
Did his job at left-back without being spectacular. Defensively sound and occasionally linked up well with the midfield. Replaced by Tijani Al-Ameen in the 87th minute.
Igoh Ogbu — 7/10
The Slavia Prague right-back was energetic going forward and disciplined defensively. Jamaica struggled to hurt Nigeria down his side throughout the night.
Tochukwu Nnadi — 7.5/10
The Marseille defensive midfielder was the unsung anchor of this performance. Won the ball cleanly, recycled possession efficiently and gave the centre-backs the protection they needed all evening.
Samson Tijani — 6.5/10
A tidy performance in central midfield. Not the most eye-catching display but kept things moving and covered ground well in a disciplined shape.
Alhassan Yusuf — 9/10
Man of the match. Scored inside four minutes to settle Nigerian nerves and came up with the third goal deep in stoppage time after combining with substitute Otele. Ran the show in midfield from first whistle to last.
Femi Azeez — 8/10
Carried his semi-final form into the final. Created Moffi’s header with a precise delivery and was a constant menace down the right throughout the first hour. Replaced by Otele in the 79th minute after putting in a tremendous shift.
Rafiu Durosinmi — 6/10
Worked hard in the channel and held the ball up to bring others into play, but never quite found the finish to complement his movement. The Pisa forward showed enough to suggest he belongs at this level even if the goal eluded him.
Terem Moffi — 8/10
Captained the side with authority and got his reward in the 60th minute, attacking Azeez’s cross with a precise header to double the lead. Intelligent movement caused Jamaica real problems all night. Replaced by Adeoye in the 90th minute.
Substitutes
Philip Otele — 7/10
Came on for Azeez in the 79th minute and immediately added freshness and directness on the right flank. Set up Yusuf’s second with a clever cutback. Caught the eye in limited time.
Tijani Al-Ameen — N/A
Too brief an appearance to rate fairly, coming on in the 87th minute for Nwaiwu.
Aderemi Adeoye — N/A
Introduced in the 90th minute as a late change for Moffi. No time to make an impression.
