Soccer
Nigeria will face Jamaica in the final of the 2026 Unity Cup on Saturday at The Valley in South London, with the Super Eagles aiming for their fourth title in the competition, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time African champions have never lost the tournament and arrive in the final after a confident 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s semi-final. Last year, Nigeria defeated Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the final at Brentford.
Ahead of another high-profile meeting between both countries, several players in Éric Chelle’s squad have given fans reasons to be excited.
Femi Azeez
Few players arrive at the final in better form than Millwall winger Femi Azeez.
The 24-year-old produced a stunning display against Zimbabwe, scoring both goals to send Nigeria into the final. His first came in the fifth minute after he lashed on to a Terem Moffi pass with a wicked left-footed drive. The second arrived midway through the second half after he applied a firm close-range finish from another fine Moffi assist.
Azeez has carried his club form into the national team. During the 2025/26 Championship season, he scored 11 goals and added seven assists in 43 appearances for Millwall.
Against Jamaica’s aggressive defensive line, his pace and direct running could become Nigeria’s biggest attacking weapon.
Arthur Okonkwo
Arthur Okonkwo looked calm beyond his years during his senior debut for Nigeria against Zimbabwe.
The Wrexham goalkeeper was handed the starting shirt ahead of Francis Uzoho and responded with a composed performance, keeping a clean sheet and making an important save midway through the second half. His passing from the back also stood out, helping Nigeria maintain possession under pressure.
Okonkwo played 39 matches for Wrexham during the 2025/26 season and kept 11 clean sheets as the Welsh club continued their rise in English football.
Jamaica’s quick transitions and attacking speed will provide a much tougher test in the final.
Chibuike Nwaiwu
Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu was one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the semi-final.
The 22-year-old produced a crucial last-ditch tackle inside the penalty area to stop a dangerous Zimbabwe attack and helped organise the backline throughout the game.
Nwaiwu heads into the final on a high after recently helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup. He also scored three league goals during the season, all from headers, showing his strength in the air. With Jamaica expected to attack directly and physically, Nigeria will depend heavily on his positioning, timing and aerial ability.
Alhassan Yusuf
Alhassan Yusuf quietly controlled large periods of the midfield against Zimbabwe.
The New England Revolution midfielder broke up attacks, protected the defence and linked play effectively alongside Tochukwu Nnadi and Samson Tijani. His energy allowed Nigeria to dominate central areas and stop Zimbabwe from building momentum.
Yusuf has also enjoyed a strong MLS campaign, scoring twice in 14 appearances while maintaining an impressive passing accuracy rate.
Against Jamaica’s athletic midfield, his defensive awareness and pressing could become vital.
Owen Oseni
Owen Oseni may not have started against Zimbabwe, but the striker still made history.
The Plymouth Argyle forward became the first Irish-born player to feature for the Super Eagles when he came on in the 77th minute of the semi-final. Although he had limited chances in front of goal, his movement, pressing and hold-up play helped Nigeria comfortably see out the victory.
Oseni scored 10 goals across all competitions for Plymouth Argyle during the 2025/26 season and gives Chelle another physical option in attack.
If the final becomes stretched late in the game, the 23-year-old could play an important role from the bench against tiring Jamaican defenders.
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