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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Unity Cup returns after two decades celebrating Black heritage with football
Its been over 20 years since the first Unity Cup and since then it has yet to return however this year that all changed - The friendly competition is back but this time starring more countries than before. This week, four nations with deep roots in the UK brought community, culture and football to Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium for the long-awaited return of the Unity Cup. From steel pans and DJs to flags waving proudly in every direction, this was more than a football cup, it was a full on cultural link up and one that had been missing from the scene for twenty one years. On Tuesday 27th May, Jamaica's Reggae Boyz beat Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors in a fierce Caribbean clash. The following day, Nigeria's Super Eagles edged past Ghana's The Black Stars, securing their place in the final. With the third-place match and final showdown happening on Saturday , fans showed up not just to support their teams but to celebrate community, culture and shared roots. What is the Unity Cup? The Unity Cup is an international friendly football tournament originally launched in 2004, when teams from Nigeria, Jamaica and Ireland faced off at Charlton Athletic's ground. Then it was a moment, now it's a movement. Two decades later, the tournament returned with clearer purpose: to celebrate the cultural impact of African and Caribbean communities in the UK, particularly in London. Where those communities have helped shape the city's identity through food, music, language and history. This year's line-up features Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria and Ghana - four nations chosen for their heritage, their undeniable pride and their presence in the UK's multicultural landscape. From the food we eat, to the rhythms we dance to each of these cultures have left a mark in British identity in countless ways. The Unity Cup is a tribute to that legacy. Why Brentford? It's no coincidence that the tournament was hosted by Brentford FC. West London is known for its multicultural spirit, and Brentford's commitment to inclusion made it the perfect stage. Just weeks ago, the club was awarded the Premier League 's Intermediate Level for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (PLEDIS), highlighting their work both on and off the pitch - the decision to bring the Unity Cup her shows this wasn't just a football event - it was a celebration designed to reflect the city. From start to finish, the vibes were immaculate. On one end, a steel pan band played sweet melodies throughout the match. On the other, artist performances and DJs kept the energy high, soundtracking the day with bashment, afrobeats, gospel and everything in between. Crowds were filled out in jerseys and flags, the crowd came with whistles ready. It wasn't just a game - it felt like a mini carnival, with football as the headliner. But beyond the party, there was a powerful undercurrent of unity. Because although every player on that pitch shares a Black identity, the cultural nuances between African and Caribbean communities are deep but the Unity Cup created space for both and what came from that space was a beautiful sight. Brentford FC and NHS Blood & Transplant also used the event to host a 'Bee A Hero' blood donor drive - encouraging attendees to get their blood type tested and sign up as donors. This wasn't a side initiative. It was central part of what made the Unity Cup feel different and deeply necessary. This is especially important for Black communities, where conditions like sickle cell disproportionately affect lives. It the fastest-growing genetic condition in the UK. It causes excruciating pain, organ damage, and in many cases, lifelong complications. Treatment often relies on blood transfusions - but only 2% of donors in the UK are Black, even though over 55% of Black Londoners have the rare Ro subtype, which is crucial for sickle cell patients. The Unity Cup didn't just bring people together. It reminded them how they can help keep each other alive. Before the big final, the third-place playoff saw Ghana beat Trinidad & Tobago 4-0, securing the bronze position after dominating both halves. But what most people really came to see is the fight for the first place title - Jamaica vs Nigeria. The first half saw both teams scoring once, but in the final half the pressure was evident, the tackles were fiercer, the chants were louder - both teams were battling for the crown. The friendly competition started to look not so friendly. But when the final whistle came, both teams had scored twice. Which left no option, but a penalty shootout - all eyes were peeled. In a tense final few minutes, Nigeria came out on top, edging past Jamaica after the Reggae Boyz missed a crucial spot-kick. Whether it was the Reggae Boyz or the Super Eagles lifting the trophy, or you call it plan-tain or plan-tin, the real win was seeing the stands full of colour, culture, and connection in Brentford FC.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Dessers reveals the 'best moment' of his 'painful' season
Dessers was the top scorer in the Premiership this term and won a surprise call-up for the Super Eagles again. Read more: He celebrated by scoring last week in a friendly against Ghana in London. And he's looked back on his season with a mixture of emotions. Dessers said: "I think it is painful at Rangers when you miss out on a big trophy. "But overall, I personally had some good moments, stayed fit and to get called up again by Nigeria was one of the best moments of my season. "I am very happy for myself to be here." But Dessers admitted he was disappointed former international teammate Leon Balogun was released by the Ibrox club. He said: "Of course I speak with Leon Balogun a lot, even now, we still text. "The form he showed at Rangers this season - at a high level like the Europa League for example - was very good. "I think he still hopes to be part of the Nigeria team moving forward and I hope he will be."
The National
3 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Dessers reveals the 'best moment' of his 'painful' season
But the Nigerian international believes winning an international recall because of his goals for the Ibrox club helped soften the blow. Dessers was the top scorer in the Premiership this term and won a surprise call-up for the Super Eagles again. Read more: He celebrated by scoring last week in a friendly against Ghana in London. And he's looked back on his season with a mixture of emotions. Dessers said: "I think it is painful at Rangers when you miss out on a big trophy. "But overall, I personally had some good moments, stayed fit and to get called up again by Nigeria was one of the best moments of my season. "I am very happy for myself to be here." But Dessers admitted he was disappointed former international teammate Leon Balogun was released by the Ibrox club. He said: "Of course I speak with Leon Balogun a lot, even now, we still text. "The form he showed at Rangers this season - at a high level like the Europa League for example - was very good. "I think he still hopes to be part of the Nigeria team moving forward and I hope he will be."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch Jamaica vs Nigeria: TV channel and live stream for Unity Cup final today
Jamaica and Nigeria clash in the Unity Cup final at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium this afternoon. The two nations are the original founders of this international football tournament, so it's quite fitting they meet in the final as the Super Eagles look to defend the crown they last won over two decades ago. Advertisement Eric Challe's side overcame rivals Ghana on Wednesday night in a game of two halves. Cyriel Dessers and an own goal from Razak Simpson had Nigeria in dreamland going into the break, but the performance level dropped significantly in the second half. After conceding to Brandon Thomas-Asante's close range strike, if not for a brilliant injury time save from Stanley Nwabali then the tie would have been settled via a penalty shootout. Jamaica - now managed by Steve McClaren - did let a 2-0 lead slip against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday but came out on top in a five-goal thriller thanks to an injury time penalty from Richard King. It's all set up for a classic final in west London and here is everything you need to know about how to watch the showdown... How to watch Jamaica vs Nigeria TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be broadcast on TV. Advertisement Live stream: However, Premier Sports subscribers will be able to watch a live stream via the Premier Sports website or the Premier Sports Player app. Coverage starts at 4.55pm BST ahead of a 5pm kick-off. Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria: Super Eagles survive second half onslaught to set up Jamaica clash in Unity Cup final
Nigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final following a hard fought win over Ghana. Super Eagles head coach Eric Challe said ahead of kick-off that he wanted to use this game and next month's friendly against Russia as preparation for their remaining World Cup qualifiers. Challe certainly got the result he would have wanted, but he may have some reservations about the second half performance as a vastly experienced Nigeria side almost let a two-goal lead slip against their Ghanaian counterparts. With the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and in particular Victor Osimhen, all rested, it meant an opportunity for several players based in Nigeria as well as Cyriel Dessers. The Rangers striker made the most of a rare start at international level by breaking the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, though most of the credit should go to Ismaila Sodiq. Racing down the right-wing, Sodiq picked out Dessers with a perfectly weighted cross and the centre-forward took one touch to set himself and then fired the ball into the back of the net. A few minutes later the Super Eagles' lead was doubled as Seyi Ajayi's header went in off Razak Simpson for an own goal before a brilliant save from Benjamin Asare and a clearance off the line denied Wilfred Ndidi making it three before half-time. Credit to the inexperienced Ghana side as they made a real game of it in the second half and reduced the deficit with 20 minutes to go as substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante scored his first international goal. Caleb Yirenkyi did his very best to mark his Ghana debut with a goal whilst Abu Francis was denied an equaliser by a superb save from Stanley Nwabali as Nigeria held on for the win. Their reward is a showdown with Jamaica on Saturday. The Reggae Boyz, now managed by Steve McClaren, came out on top in a five-goal thriller against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday night with Richard King scoring from the penalty spot deep into injury time to seal a dramatic 3-2 win.
