Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha says the Super Eagles' triumph in the 2026 Unity Cup is a clear sign that coach Eric Sekou Chelle's side are finding their way back to their best — and that the emphatic 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final has gone a long way toward restoring public faith in the national team.

A statement win against Jamaica

Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria the lead inside three minutes before Terem Moffi doubled the advantage with a 59th-minute finish. Yusuf completed his brace in the first minute of stoppage time to seal a comfortable 3-0 win and confirm back-to-back Unity Cup titles for the Super Eagles.

The result also extended Nigeria's strong head-to-head record against Jamaica — three wins, one defeat, and four draws from eight meetings overall.

Iroha praises the team's spirit

Speaking to Completesports.com from his base in Texas shortly after the final whistle, Iroha was effusive in his praise. "Congratulations to the team. They have made us proud. They have put smiles on the faces of Nigerians by winning the Unity Cup — kudos to them," he said.

Iroha stressed that the manner of the performances mattered as much as the silverware itself. "The most important thing is the way they played. They have restored Nigerians' confidence in the team. In the two games they played, we saw a team gradually returning to its former form and quality. If they maintain this form, we won't have to struggle in major competitions," he added.

AFCON 2027 qualifiers as the next benchmark

When asked whether this squad could deliver in the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, where the Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L alongside Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, and Tanzania, Iroha was measured but optimistic.

"It is still too early to predict. But I think they have shown signs that Nigerians can believe in them," he said. "Their performances — not only the results — are encouraging."