Abdullahi shines as Nigeria defeats Jamaica to keep Unity Cup

Nigeria retained the Afro-Caribbean Football Tournament (The Unity Cup) title with a decisive performance against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at The Valley on Saturday, May 30, 2026. USA-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi scored two goals, helping secure the victory, while stand-in captain Terem Moffi also found the net, uplifting the spirits of a large traveling Nigerian crowd in south-east London.

Abdullahi opened the scoring in the 4th minute, quickly reacting to a punch from Jamaican goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke after Kenneth Igboke delivered a long throw-in from the left. This early advantage mirrored Nigeria's semi-final match against Zimbabwe just four days prior, setting the tone for a dominant display where Jamaica struggled to keep up.

Coach Eric Chelle made only one change to the lineup that defeated Zimbabwe, replacing Philip Otele with Rafiu Durosinmi. Despite the adjustment, the three-time African champions maintained excellent chemistry and played with energy and discipline. In the 8th minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was tested for the first time but easily saved a header from Brown, following a cross by Kaheim Dixon.

Nigeria nearly extended their lead in the 35th minute, but Durosinmi’s attempt was well-blocked by Clarke during a counterattack. The second half saw Durosinmi sending a header over the crossbar from a Femi Azeez free-kick, but Nigeria soon celebrated again in the 46th minute as Moffi headed in from another precise Azeez cross, causing significant dismay among the Jamaican supporters.

Clarke continued to showcase his abilities by denying Azeez’s free-kick attempts, yet Nigeria continued to press forward. In the dying moments of the game, a notable play unfolded as substitute Philip Otele intercepted the ball in Jamaica’s half and set up Abdullahi, whose angled strike too powerful for Clarke, concluded the game with a strong finish for the Super Eagles.

Looking ahead, the Eagles will face Poland’s senior national team in a friendly match at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday, June 3.