Unity Cup: Nigeria to play India, Jamaica in England

The Nigeria national football team are set to headline the upcoming Unity Cup in London from May 26 to 30, where they will face international sides including India and Jamaica in a four-nation knockout tournament.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that India’s men’s football team will also take part in the competition.

India will compete against strong teams, including Nigeria and the Jamaica national football team, who are among the highest-ranked sides expected at the tournament. Another African country is also likely to join, although it has not yet been officially confirmed.

The Unity Cup is designed to feature countries with large communities living in the United Kingdom, with India participating for the first time.

The tournament will follow a knockout format. Winners of the semi-finals will advance to the final, while the losing teams will play for third place.

Although Nigeria and Jamaica are strong sides, both narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short in the final stages of qualification. Still, they are expected to draw significant attention.

India’s participation also marks a return to England after many years. The team first visited during the 1948 Summer Olympics and last played on UK soil in 2002, when they faced Jamaica.

India head into the tournament in good form after defeating the Hong Kong national football team 2-1 in an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier.