Three debutants impress as Chelle blends NPFL, foreign stars to win Unity Cup

The 2026 Unity Cup concluded over the weekend with Nigeria claiming the title after defeating Jamaica in the final at The Valley in London.

The Super Eagles entered the four‑nation tournament as favourites, having won it the previous year.

In the semi‑final, Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 2‑0 to advance to the final, where they faced Jamaica, the other semi‑final winner after a victory over India.

Millwall winger Femi Azeez scored both goals in the 2‑0 win over the Warriors, securing Nigeria’s place in the final.

In the final, Nigeria outclassed Jamaica 3‑0, with two goals from Alhassan Yusuf and a strike from Terem Moffi sealing the triumph.

Head coach Eric Chelle made only one change from the semi‑final lineup, replacing Philip Otele with Rafiu Durosinmi.

Chelle’s side dominated the encounter, earning two clean sheets in the matches against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.

The tournament was played without several key players, including Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Wilfried Ndidi, and Paul Onuachu.

At 48, Chelle fielded a mix of local NPFL talent—such as Enugu Rangers duo Chibueze Oputa and Kenneth Igboke—and foreign‑based players.

Speaking to DAILY POST, Eagle Stars FC coach Isma’il Musa praised the Super Eagles’ performance and Chelle’s tactics, noting the effective blend of local and overseas players.

“One of the things that stood out for me from the two games Nigeria played was the mixture of local players from the NPFL and the foreign‑based players,” Musa said. “I like the fact that Eric Chelle was able to combine these players, and some of the local players played very well in both games against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.”

“The guy from Enugu Rangers, Chibueze Oputa, was impressive. Even the goalkeeper from Wrexham did a fantastic job of keeping clean, and also Femi Azeez, who played for Millwall. These three players did well in their debuts under Chelle.”

“Chelle’s identity showed during both matches, especially the Zimbabwe game, as he loves his players to keep the ball and express themselves.”

“I must commend him because he had little time to prepare for the Unity Cup tournament.”

Following the tournament, Chelle’s side is set to face Poland in an international friendly at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Azeez, who impressed at the Unity Cup, has been called up to replace former Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.

Both Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have withdrawn from the friendly, and midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani will not travel due to visa issues.

As a result, Chelle will rely mainly on the players who won the Unity Cup for the match against Poland.

“Based on what I saw at the Unity Cup, I believe the boys will do well against Poland,” Musa added.