The Super Eagles secured the 2025 Unity Cup title on Saturday, edging out the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Entering the match, Nigeria boasted an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 fixtures, including six clean sheets and conceding more than once on only a single occasion. Historically, they held the advantage over Jamaica, with three victories and two draws from six prior encounters.
Eric Chelle’s side twice took the lead through goals from Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, but on both occasions, the Jamaicans responded promptly, levelling the score through Kaheim Dixon and John Russell.
Clearly dissatisfied with the team’s performance, some fans of the West African giants took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their frustration—specifically targeting Ismail Sodiq of Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars, whom they felt delivered an uninspiring display.
One fan didn’t hold back, criticising the Super Eagles’ right back for his performance and questioning his quality.
Another fan joined the chorus of criticism, calling for the right back to be dropped permanently from the team.
Another fan also pointed fingers at Sodiq, blaming him for the goals the Super Eagles conceded and questioning his defensive capabilities.
Another fan also felt the Remo Stars man had a particularly difficult game, describing it as a performance he would rather forget.
While some fans expressed disappointment, others praised the debutants—highlighting Agu’s two-footed sharpness and defensive solidity at left-back, lauding Chukwueze’s outstanding performance, and predicting a bright future for Frederick Benjamin.
Another fan congratulated the team but stressed the urgent need for a stronger defence, noting that the strikers’ efforts are often undone by defensive lapses—a frustration recently shared by Osimhen during World Cup qualifiers.
Fans are optimistic about the future under the new coach, praising his tactical approach and celebrating this win as just the beginning of greater success.
This marks the third time the Super Eagles have claimed the Unity Cup, having first won the inaugural edition in 2022 by defeating Jamaica, and successfully defending the title two years later with a victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Saturday’s triumph also represents Eric Chelle’s first silverware as head coach of the Super Eagles since his appointment last year.
