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Here are Pulse Sports’ key takeaways from the Super Eagles' win over the Reggae Boys of Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
Nigeria won the first edition of the Unity Cup 21 years ago in 2004, and Eric Chelle's team retain the trophy.
Felix Agu made his debut for Nigeria, while Sodiq Saliu retained his spot at tight-back, with Stanely Nwabali also in goal.
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The game started with both teams having a go, but it was the Eagles that took the lead when Moses Simon finished from a Cyril Dessers cutback. However, the lead did not last as Kaheim Dixon restored parity for Jamaica three minutes later after work from Renaldo Cephas down the left.
It was 1-1 at the break, but Samuel Chukwueze put Nigeria back in front with a lovely drive in the 53rd minute. 10 minutes later, it was Cephas at the heart of things once again as the Reggae Boys equalised.
Both teams could not be separated at full time, and the game went to penalties. Nigeria scored all five, while Dwayne Atkinson missed for Jamaica to hand the Eagles victory.
The following are some key takeaways from the game:
Dessers has strong claim to to be first-choice backup behind Victor Osimhen
The Rangers striker showed class, strength and a good football brain, making a good claim for his spot as Osimhen’s major backup. With Victor Boniface struggling to get going, Terem Moffi not finding consistency and Tolu Arokodare still relatively new, Desserts used this Unity Cup to make a statement.
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Felix Agu had a solid debut
Agu was only meant to train with the Eagles during this competition, as he awaited confirmation from the German FA that he did not represent Germany in an official game.
However, he was cleared, and Eric Chelle did not waste time to throw him into the setup. The Werder Bremen fullback started at left-back and gave a good impression. He was composed on the ball, read the opposition winger quite well and helped his teammates.
Sodiq Ismail struggled to cope with Jamaica’s pace
The Nigerian Dani Alves was one of the standout performers in the win over Ghana and rightfully retained his spot in the starting XI for the final. However, he could not cope with the speed of Jamaica’s Cephas, and both goals were made from his wing. This would serve as a lesson for the Remo star who is building a name for himself from his inviting crosses.
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