By Dickson | Africalivenews
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has praised his team’s commanding performance following their 2-1 victory over long-standing rivals Ghana in the semi-final of the Unity Cup held in London. The highly anticipated fixture took place on Sunday, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to the Gtech Community Stadium, home of Premier League side Brentford FC.
Chelle, who has been working to reinvigorate Nigeria’s national squad since his appointment, expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall display, particularly during a dominant first half that saw Nigeria take a decisive lead.
“We played a great first half,” Chelle told reporters after the match. “Second half we were tired, but we deserved our victory. That said, we have to improve.”
The Super Eagles will now face Jamaica in the final on Saturday, also to be played at the Gtech Community Stadium, as they look to wrap up their Unity Cup campaign with silverware.
First-Half Brilliance Seals the Deal
Nigeria wasted no time in asserting their dominance early in the game. Cyriel Dessers, currently enjoying a strong run of form, opened the scoring for the Super Eagles with a clinical finish inside the box, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Black Stars.
Not long after, center-back Semi Ajayi doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner kick, sending Nigerian fans in the stadium into jubilation. The two-goal cushion gave the Super Eagles a strong advantage heading into the break.
“It was important to start strong,” Chelle explained. “The boys executed the game plan well. We pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and took our chances.”
Ghana’s Late Push Falls Short
Ghana responded with renewed energy in the second half, determined not to be embarrassed by their West African neighbours. The Black Stars pulled one back through Thomas Asante, who found the net with a well-placed shot midway through the second period.
Despite late pressure and a few close chances, the Ghanaians couldn’t find the equalizer, and Nigeria held on to secure their place in the final.
“The second half was more difficult for us,” admitted Chelle. “We ran a lot in the first half, and that showed later in the game. Ghana pushed us, but the team stayed compact and defended well.”
Unity Cup: Promoting Peace Through Football
The Unity Cup is a friendly tournament aimed at fostering harmony and togetherness among African and Caribbean nations through sport. This year’s edition, hosted in the United Kingdom, has drawn teams from across the African diaspora, including Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and others.
The tournament has not only offered thrilling football action but also served as a celebration of cultural pride, unity, and collaboration among communities.
“We’re happy to be part of a tournament that promotes peace and unity,” Chelle said. “Football is a powerful tool, and events like this bring people together.”
Super Eagles Eye Unity Cup Glory Against Jamaica
With the win over Ghana, Nigeria will now shift focus to their final showdown against Jamaica on Saturday. The Caribbean side secured their place in the final with a dramatic win of their own and are expected to provide a different kind of challenge for the Super Eagles.
The match is set to be played at the same venue, the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, and fans are already buzzing in anticipation of the clash between African and Caribbean footballing styles.
“We have a tough game ahead of us,” said Chelle. “Jamaica are quick, physical, and dangerous on the break. We need to recover well and prepare mentally. If we play like we did in the first half today, we’ll be in a good position.”
Player Reactions and Fan Support
Several Super Eagles players also spoke about the game, crediting the team’s chemistry and the electric support from Nigerian fans in London.
“It was amazing to play in front of our fans here in the UK,” said Cyriel Dessers, who scored the opening goal. “They gave us the energy we needed, and we’re glad we could give them something to cheer about.”
Semi Ajayi, who scored the second goal, echoed similar sentiments: “We knew what this game meant for the fans. Beating Ghana is always special. Now we have to focus on Jamaica and finish the job.”
Supporters from both Nigeria and Ghana turned out in large numbers, filling the stadium with color, song, and drums. The festive atmosphere added to the spectacle, underlining the emotional significance of the rivalry and the unifying spirit of the tournament.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the victory, Chelle was quick to point out that the team still has areas to work on, particularly in maintaining performance levels across both halves.
“The drop in intensity in the second half is something we must address,” he said. “Fitness, game management, and composure under pressure—all these aspects are crucial if we want to succeed in bigger competitions.”
The Super Eagles boss also emphasized the need for squad depth and hinted at more rotation in the final.
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s final against Jamaica promises to be an entertaining conclusion to the Unity Cup. For Eric Chelle and his team, it represents more than just another trophy—it’s a chance to make a statement about Nigeria’s football resurgence on the international stage.
“We’ve come a long way,” Chelle said. “But we’re not done yet. One more match, one more opportunity to show what we’re made of.”
Published by Africalivenews – Your Home for Breaking African Sports Stories
