Clarke, Speid Fire Warning To Super Eagles Ahead Of Unity Cup Final

Jamaica midfielder Courtney Clarke says the Reggae Boyz are ready to take the fight to Nigeria in Saturday’s Unity Cup final after opening his international account in style against India.

Clarke was on target on his debut as Jamaica brushed aside India 2-0 in Wednesday night’s Unity Cup semi-final clash at The Valley.

Kaheim Dixon added the second to seal a comfortable win for Rudolph Speid’s side.

The result set up another showdown with Nigeria, the third straight meeting between the two countries in the competition’s final.

The Super Eagles head into the game as favourites after a dominant 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in their own semi-final on Tuesday.

Éric Chelle’s men controlled the game from start to finish and extended their strong record in the tournament.

Jamaica, however, are refusing to be intimidated. “It’s just more of a thing we just have to do what we do, keep our energy, stick to the plan, and let football do the rest. Just to keep working and try to beat Nigeria,” Clarke said after the win over India.

The Reggae Boyz have painful memories from their recent meetings with the Super Eagles. They lost the last two Unity Cup finals to the three-time African champions and were beaten on penalties after staging a dramatic comeback from two goals down in last year’s decider.

Head coach Rudolph Speid believes this current crop can finally end that run. He said: “Well, they (Super Eagles) are very, very good but every team is beatable, and we have to be aware of what they bring. We have some things to bring ourselves. Jamaica is still in a rebuilding stage, with lots of young players.

“As with the game these days, nobody is a winner before the game is played. That’s where we are right now.”

The final will be played at The Valley at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.