Reggae Boyz Suffer Narrow Penalty Shootout Defeat to Nigeria in Unity Cup Final

The Reggae Boyz put in a strong effort, with Renaldo Cephas providing two assists in a 2-2 draw, but Dwayne Atkinson's missed penalty handed the Super Eagles the win in London

Charlton Athletic’s Kaheim Dixon celebrates his equalizer goal (Photo: GettyImages)

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz suffered a narrow 5-4 defeat in a penalty shootout to Nigeria’s Super Eagles after a 2-2 draw in regulation time during Saturday’s Unity Cup final at Brentford FC’s Gtech Stadium in West London.

Fresh off a 3-2 semifinal win over Trinidad and Tobago, Steve McClaren’s side was once again involved in a thrilling contest.

Nantes winger Moses Simon gave Nigeria an early lead in the 10th minute, but Jamaica responded swiftly. Just three minutes later, Renaldo Cephas made a brilliant run down the left and delivered a perfect cross for Kaheim Dixon to tap in the equalizer.

Samuel Chukwueze, who plays for AC Milan, restored Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute with a composed strike into the bottom corner.

In the 64th minute, Jamaica drew level again, Cephas again the provider, flashing a cross that Jonathan Russell finished brilliantly with his right foot from inside the box.

The shootout's only miss came from Cavalier’s Dwayne Atkinson on Jamaica’s fourth attempt. Nigerian debutant Christantus Uche calmly converted the deciding penalty to seal the win for the Super Eagles.

Renaldo Cephas, delivered two assists (Photo: screechphotography)

The Reggae Boyz now turn their attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with upcoming matches against Guatemala on June 10 in Kingston and on June 16 in Carson, United States.