Super Eagles vs Jamaica: Man United star earns late call-up ahead of Unity Cup final

Manchester United academy defender Dante Plunkett has received a surprise late call-up to the Jamaica national team ahead of Saturday’s Unity Cup final against Nigeria at The Valley in London, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 18-year-old left-back was added to the Reggae Boyz squad by head coach Rudolph Speid after Jamaica booked their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over India on Wednesday night.

Plunkett, who was born in England but is eligible to represent Jamaica through family roots, is now in line to make his senior international debut in one of the biggest matches of his young career. The teenager is expected to join the Jamaican camp in London on Friday, less than 24 hours before kick-off.

The Unity Cup final will be a repeat of last year’s dramatic showdown between both countries. In the 2025 final at Brentford, Nigeria’s Super Eagles led twice during a thrilling 2-2 draw before eventually winning 5-4 on penalties to lift the trophy.

That result has added extra tension and emotion to this latest meeting, with Jamaica hoping to gain revenge while Nigeria aim to defend their crown and maintain their unbeaten record in the competition.

Plunkett’s late inclusion will look to strengthen Jamaica’s squad depth against three-time African champions, Nigeria. The defender only joined Manchester United’s academy setup in 2024 after leaving Aston Villa and has continued to develop rapidly at youth level.

During the 2025/26 season, he made 15 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United’s Under-18 side, impressing coaches with his pace, composure on the ball and attacking runs from left-back.

Nigeria: Super Eagles chase another title as Jamaica seek revenge

Nigeria head into the final with growing confidence after a disciplined 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s semi-final. Millwall winger Femi Azeez was the standout performer, scoring twice on his debut to send Éric Chelle’s side into the showpiece match.

Despite arriving at the tournament without several established stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, the Super Eagles still looked organised and dangerous throughout the game against the Warriors.

Regular goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are also absent, creating opportunities for new faces to impress. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo earned his first senior appearance for Nigeria against Zimbabwe but he could make way for Francis Uzoho on Saturday.

Nigeria remain the most successful side in the tournament’s history, having won every edition they have entered since the competition began in 2002.

Jamaica, meanwhile, arrived in London carrying the tag of pre-tournament favourites and showed their quality during the semi-final win over India. Experienced defender Damion Lowe continues to captain the side, while Isaac Hayden and Dexter Lembikisa provide additional Premier League and EFL experience.

The final will take place at Charlton Athletic’s home ground, The Valley, in South London on Saturday with both countries hoping to end the tournament with silverware.