Latest news with #UnityCup
New York Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Nigeria win Unity Cup in ‘carnival-like' atmosphere: Steel drums, beef patties and a penalty shootout
The train from Waterloo station, just south of the River Thames in central London, to Brentford's Gtech Community stadium in west London was only 20 minutes, but a group of three Jamaica fans took the time to hang the country's flag in the window. Another Jamaica fan tested out the three horns he had brought and proclaimed they were going to win the Unity Cup. The vibes were high. Advertisement The four participating nations have been represented in English football through players — such as Dwight Yorke (Trinidad and Tobago), Michael Essien (Ghana), Shola Ameobi (Nigeria) and Wes Morgan (Jamaica), and three of the four countries — except Trinidad and Tobago — have active Premier League players. But it was a rare opportunity to see the national teams on U.K. soil — this was the first Unity Cup since 2004, and these fans did not waste the opportunity. Steel drums, horns (including vuvuzelas), and half-time performances from music artists, including Young T and Bugsey and Stylo G, all contributed to the sounds of national pride. Appropriate nutrition was needed to fuel such energy during a day that stretched from 12.30pm BST (the first game's kick-off) to 7.15pm (when the second game finished). Among the Afro-Caribbean food and drink options inside the stadium were Jamaican beef patties, jerk chicken burgers, fruit punches and Supermalt. Nigerian supporter Cliff Ediale came while celebrating his 28th birthday. 'I've only ever watched them (Nigeria) on TV. It's the first time I've watched in person,' he tells The Athletic. He'd seen clips of Nigeria's 2-1 win over Ghana three days prior and was excited to come and support. Up first was the third-place game between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, with the pair losing to Nigeria and Jamaica respectively earlier in the week. Leicester City's Jordan Ayew, Ghana's captain, scored the opener and assisted twice before being substituted in the 60th minute, and his team won convincingly 4-0. The other goalscorers were Razak Simpson, Mohammed Fuseini and Lawrence Agyekum. With it being an all-day event, people arrived gradually. No time was louder than in the hour approaching the second game, the final, between Jamaica and Nigeria. People's eardrums would have been ringing on their way home. Advertisement As crowds reached their peak, there were team sections on either side of the stadium, but Jamaica were best represented, taking over the neutral zones, too. After Jamaica's 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, manager Steve McClaren said of the support: 'They're always vocal, home or away. That's why we are here, for the Jamaica players to experience playing in the UK, the UK-based players to play in front of family and friends wearing a Jamaica shirt, but most importantly for the two and a half million people in this country (half a million living in London) and it felt like we had them all in here.' Before the actual national anthems of these countries sounded, honorary ones from Nigeria and Jamaica were played, such as Clarks by Vybz Kartel, Popcaan and Gaza Slim, and Last Last by Burna Boy. One Nigeria fan, who attended with friends, said: 'The atmosphere was very carnival-like. It reminded me a lot of Notting Hill carnival or any game with a west African or Caribbean team. Steel drum bands, vuvuzelas, so I think it definitely had that atmosphere, and it was good to see that in the Brentford stadium.' He continued: 'It was a really good incentive, bringing communities together. It was not only a celebration of the footballing talents but also of the cultures. Having the entertainment from different nations was another feature that added to the celebration.' Anyone whose first football games were at the Unity Cup would have a very different perception of a fan experience than the usual Premier League games at the same stadium. It showcased how football, a global game, is enjoyed differently around the world. The game itself proved worthy of a final. Nigeria took the lead twice through Moses Simon and then Samuel Chukwueze, but Jamaica were able to find a response both times from Kaheim Dixon and Jon Russell (of Charlton and Barnsley respectively). Milan's Chukwueze revelled on this stage, exciting fans further with a number skilful runs on the ball. He appeared to go down injured in the 79th minute but adamantly signalled to the bench he wanted to stay on, clearly enjoying himself. Advertisement With the game finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes, it went straight to penalties, taking the atmosphere up another notch. Dwayne Atkinson of Jamaica missed their fourth penalty, and Nigeria scored all five of theirs to win the cup. These were all considered friendly games on paper, but meant a lot more to fans, players and managers, too. Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle said in the post-match press conference: 'I don't want to talk about it because maybe people say, 'Blah, blah , blah', but the reality is this is my first trophy as a coach and I hope I can bring to Nigeria another trophy.' While the Champions League final stole the headlines on Saturday, there was no doubt who the respective fans in west London were championing. They will hope it is not another 20 years until next time.
Daily Mirror
a day 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 Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Jamaica vs Nigeria Live Streaming Info: How to watch Unity Cup final match today?
Jamaica and Nigeria will lock horns in the Unity Cup final at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. The two teams are the founders of this international tournament, which is being held after more than two decades. Nigeria won the inaugural edition of the competition back in 2004, beating Republic of Ireand 1-0 in the final. Nigeria is coming off a 2-1 win over rival Ghana, while Jamaica overcame a 0-2 deficit against Trinidad and Tobago to emerge victorious in a five-goal thriller. Match Details How to watch Jamaica vs Nigeria Unity Cup 2025 final on television in the UK? The Unity Cup 2025 final between Jamaica and Nigeria will not be televised live in the United Kingdom. However, the match will be streamed live on the Premier Sports website or the Premier Sports Player app. Match timings The Unity Cup 2025 final between Jamaica and Nigeria will begin at 5 PM local time (9:30 PM IST).
Yahoo
2 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
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch Ghana vs Trinidad and Tobago: TV channel and live stream for Unity Cup third place play-off today
Ghana face Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup third place play-off this afternoon (Getty Images) The Unity Cup international football tournament concludes this afternoon and first up is the third-place play-off between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. A vastly inexperienced Black Stars squad were beaten 2-1 by rivals Nigeria on Wednesday night, though that was certainly a game of two halves. Second best in the opening 45 minutes at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium, Otto Addo's side trailed by two at the break. Advertisement However, they rallied in the second half, halved the deficit with Brandon Thomas-Asante's first international goal and were inches away from sending the game into penalties when Abu Francis had an effort superbly saved by Stanley Nwabali in injury time. 24 hours earlier, Trinidad did fight back from two-goal deficit in a thriller against Jamaica. But Dwight Yorke's side conceded an injury time penalty from which Richard King successfully dispatched in a dramatic finale. If the games both nations were involved in earlier in the week is any indication, entertainment is guaranteed in west London this afternoon. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the match... How to watch Ghana vs Trinidad and Tobago 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 12.25pm BST ahead of a 12.30pm kick-off. Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
