It wasn’t the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament was even only sanctioned by FIFA just moments before kickoff.
But make no mistake — Nigeria’s Unity Cup triumph over Jamaica on Saturday evening at the Gtech Community Stadium felt like more than just a friendly.
After a lively 2-2 draw in regulation time, the Super Eagles held their nerve to claim a 5-4 penalty shootout win, lifting their first senior trophy in 12 years.
For a side caught in a rebuilding phase under new manager Eric Chelle, this was a performance full of encouraging signs — and a few warning lights too.
Here are five takeaways from Nigeria’s hard-fought victory.
1. Chukwueze looks set to flourish under Chelle
He’s always had the flair, the dribbling feet, and the eye for the spectacular. But against Jamaica, Samuel Chukwueze showed something more: maturity.
Stationed in a central attacking role rather than his usual right-wing berth, the AC Milan man tormented Jamaica with his spatial awareness and sharp movement. His goal — a clinical low drive from the edge of the box — was richly deserved and symbolised a player who’s ready to evolve.
Eric Chelle might just be the coach to unlock Chukwueze’s final form — a goal-scoring, game-dictating attacking midfielder. If this performance was a hint of what’s to come, Nigeria could finally have the creative heartbeat they’ve long lacked.
2. Dessers impresses again and could be here to stay
If there was one player whose stock has risen dramatically over these recent friendlies, it’s Cyriel Dessers.
Following his man-of-the-match showing against Ghana, the Rangers striker was again influential — this time registering a well-weighted assist for Moses Simon’s opener.
Dessers might not have the pace of Osimhen or the flair of Lookman, but he’s proving he has the intelligence, touch, and movement to make things happen.
With Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi struggling with fitness, Chelle may now be seriously considering Dessers as a reliable Plan A — or, at worst, a very strong Plan B.
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3. Nigeria’s imexperienced backline was too easily undone
The absence of Semi Ajayi forced Chelle to field a back four with just a handful of international caps between them — and it showed.
Sodiq Ismaila, in particular, endured a torrid time. Twice outfoxed by Renaldo Cephas down Jamaica’s right, the right-back was culpable in both Jamaican goals, and looked short on composure and positional awareness.
Debutants Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu showed flashes of promise, but the unit as a whole lacked structure. While friendlies are for experimentation, the defensive frailties laid bare on Saturday must be addressed if Nigeria are to be competitive in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
4. Chelle’s tactical versatility is a breath of fresh air
One quietly impressive feature of Eric Chelle’s early tenure has been his willingness to tinker — not recklessly, but with purpose.
Deploying Chukwueze centrally, giving Ndidi more license to roam, and trusting an untested defence all point to a coach not afraid to make bold calls. His substitutions, including the introduction of Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche, injected fresh energy at the right moments.
Perhaps most notably, Chelle has built a more fluid and fearless Nigeria — a team that’s comfortable with the ball and unafraid to take risks in transition.
It’s still early days, but Chelle seems to be bringing an identity and tactical flexibility that had been missing in recent years.
5. Unity Cup title may be symbolic, but the drought is over
It’s been 12 long years since Nigeria last lifted a senior international trophy — the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
In that time, a generation of talented players came and went, often burdened by expectations and underwhelming results.
The Unity Cup may not carry the prestige of a continental or global tournament, but for a group of players still finding their rhythm under a new coach, it represents a psychological breakthrough.
Football is often about moments — and lifting silverware, however modest, has a way of uniting squads and stoking belief. Chelle and his men will hope this is a stepping stone toward something greater.