Nigeria retain Unity Cup with Jamaica win

Nigeria's John Utaka (L) celebrates his opening goal at the Valley in London during a friendly football match against Jamaica.

Nigeria retained the Unity Cup following a 2-0 win against Jamaica at The Valley, goals from John Utaka and Bartholomew Ogbeche giving the Super Eagles victory at Premiership side Charlton's home ground.

Nigeria's win, following Saturday's 3-0 defeat of the Republic of Ireland, meant they could not be headed in the all-play-all event,

Jamaica face Ireland in the final match of the competition on Wednesday.

Utaka capitalised on a mistake in the Jamaica defence to put Nigeria ahead after 18 minutes before Ogbeche, who netted twice against Ireland, scored his team's second 10 minutes after half-time.

Bolton's Ricardo Gardner had the first chance for Jamaica, his edge-of-the-box shot well-saved by keeper Sunday Rotimi.

And Rotimi then alertly rushed off his line in the 14th minute to deny Jermaine Johnson a clear sight of goal after the right winger had beaten the offside trap

But while the Nigeria defence held firm, Jamaica's gifted their opponents the lead.

Jamaica full-back Claude Davis appeared comfortable in possession when the ball came to him on the edge of his own area. But the Preston defender allowed himself to be robbed by Utaka who slotted home.

Davis had a chance to make amends but failed to connect with Fabian Davis's left-wing corner in the 22nd minute.

At the other end, Ogbeche's looping header from just inside the area in the 32nd minute almost deceived keeper Donovan Ricketts while barely a minute later Ogbeche ran onto an Utaka through ball only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Ian Goodison.

Jamaica looked dangerous at the start of the second half, Marlon King's shot deflected on to the post by Rotimi in the 54th minute.

As the ball rebounded, Nigeria defender Yakubu Adamu cleared.

Nigeria then made the most of their let-off by scoring again, Ogbeche taking strike partner Utaka's through pass and steering the ball past Ricketts after beating a static Jamaica defence.

Paul Obiefule almost made it three for Nigeria in stoppage time when his right-foot shot from 10 yards hit the post.