Reggae Boyz lose on penalties to Nigeria in Unity Cup final
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Nigeria after playing out a 2-2 draw in the Unity Cup final at Brentford Community Stadium in London on Saturday.
Steve McClaren’s team showed grit and determination to come from behind to equalize twice against the West African country ranked 43rd on the FIFA list – 20 spots above the Jamaicans – and take the game to a shootout.
Dwayne Atkinson, one of the late additions to the squad after the semi-final win over Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the week, missed his kick in the shootout.
Renaldo Cephas was once again the outstanding player for Jamaica, providing the assists for both goals after he had earn two penalties for Jamaica in the semi-final 3-2 win over Trinidad.
Moses Simon gave Nigeria the lead after nine minutes but Kaheim Dixon equalised three minutes later with his third goal for Jamaica.
Samuel Chukwueze restored the Super Eagles’ lead in the 53rd minute but Jon Russell pulled the Reggae Boyz level once again when he scored in the 63rd minute.
In the shootout, Richard King, Isaac Hayden, Ravel Morrison and Amari’i Bell scored for Jamaica while all five kickers for Nigeria scored – Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon, Toluwalase Arokodare, Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi and Christiantus Uche.