‘We played fantastic’ – Super Eagles star praises Chelle, celebrates first Nigeria goals

Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf could hardly hide his joy after producing the best international performance of his career to help Nigeria retain the 2026 Unity Cup title in London, Afrik-Foot reports.

The New England Revolution midfielder scored twice as the Super Eagles defeated Jamaica 3-0 in the final at The Valley on Saturday night. The win secured Nigeria’s second consecutive Unity Cup crown and a fourth overall triumph in the competition.

Yusuf’s first goal arrived just four minutes into the contest. Kenneth Igboke launched a long throw from the left flank, and after Jamaica goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke punched the ball into a crowded area, the midfielder reacted quickest to stab home from close range.

His second goal was even more impressive. Deep into stoppage time, Hamburg winger Philip Otele picked him out with a clever pass outside the penalty area. Yusuf opened up his body before sending a precise effort beyond the goalkeeper to complete a memorable brace.

The goals were the first of Yusuf’s senior international career and capped an outstanding tournament in which he played a key role in Nigeria’s midfield.

Speaking after the match, the midfielder admitted the moment meant a great deal to him and his loved ones.

“I feel great to win the Unity Cup and score my first goals for the country,” Yusuf said. “For sure, my family is proud.”

Super Eagles: Yusuf salutes Chelle

Yusuf also reserved special praise for head coach Eric Chelle, whose tactical decisions helped an experimental Nigerian squad navigate the tournament without conceding a single goal.

Chelle arrived at the competition without several established stars, including Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, but trusted a group filled with new faces. The gamble paid off.

One of his boldest decisions was pushing Yusuf into a more advanced attacking role. The midfielder responded by scoring twice in the final after already helping control proceedings during Nigeria’s 2-0 semi-final victory over Zimbabwe.

The Super Eagles finished the tournament with five goals scored, two clean sheets and back-to-back victories, a clear show of the growing influence of the Franco-Malian coach.

“He did a good job to put together this team of new players. We play fantastic football,” Yusuf remarked.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to tougher tests in Europe. The three-time African champions are scheduled to face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3 before travelling to Leiria for another friendly against Portugal at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on June 10.