Former England boss Steve McClaren believes Jamaica are prepared for a “huge test” when they face Nigeria in Saturday’s Unity Cup final – but admits the Super Eagles possess qualities that could trouble his Reggae Boyz, Soccernet.ng reports.
The two sides will clash at the Gtech Community Stadium in London in the final of the invitational four-nation tournament.
Nigeria sealed their place with a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Ghana, while the Reggae Boyz edged past Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in a dramatic semi-final encounter.
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz. Photo Credit X
What Jamaica boss Steve McClaren said about Nigeria
McClaren, who managed England between 2006 and 2007 and now oversees Jamaica, has acknowledged Nigeria’s strengths ahead of the high-stakes showdown.
“Nigeria are very well organised, very athletic, and very strong. So this is going to be a huge test for our players, but one I'm looking forward to,” said McClaren at the pre-match press conference.
“If we can come out of the Unity Cup, two games and two wins, it would be a great experience to take forward. We don't want to let anybody down. We want a good performance and, as usual, fight together.”
Ranked 43rd in the world, Nigeria head into the final as favourites, with several Europe-based stars in their ranks and a legacy that includes winning the inaugural Unity Cup back in 2004. Jamaica, ranked 63rd, will be underdogs but are hoping to cause an upset.
“This will be a different test against the Africans, and if we want to go forward, if we want to qualify for World Cups, this experience will prove invaluable,” McClaren added.
“The players saw Nigeria against Ghana, and they know what to expect, so we are looking forward to it.”
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz. Photo Credit X
Saturday’s final is expected to be a colourful spectacle both on and off the pitch, with supporters from both nations bringing the rhythm of West Africa and the Caribbean to west London. Drums, dancing, and flags will turn the stadium into a carnival.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is expected to rotate his squad slightly, with players like Maduka Okoye, Nathan Tella, and Felix Agu all in contention for minutes.
As Nigeria chase a second Unity Cup crown and a third win in four under Chelle, Jamaica are equally determined to claim a major scalp and lift silverware under their experienced English coach.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
