The Unity Cup is making a return this year for the first time since the last edition in 2004, with four countries, including Nigeria, set to compete in the Afro-Caribbean tournament.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will battle the Black Stars of Ghana as well as the Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago national teams, with each country guaranteed two matches between 27 and 31 May 2025.
Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in London has been revealed as the host venue for the Unity Cup 2025, which is being organised by Afrosport, with the aim of fostering togetherness between African and Caribbean fans through the beautiful game of football.
It’s Official The Unity Cup is about to kick off!
Nigeria
| Ghana
| Jamaica
| Trinidad & Tobago
May 27th, 28th & 31st @brentfordfc
National pride. Bragging rights. Pure vibes.This is war with rhythm.#UnityCup2025 #AfrosportTV #UC202 pic.twitter.com/7iFgReHvkj
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) April 10, 2025
We caught up with Afrosport co-director, Andy Howes, who discussed the importance of the Unity Cup 2025 and the need for its re-emergence after over two decades.
When asked about why the tournament has returned and the organisers’ objectives for hosting this edition, Howes said, “Well, it is something that we have been working behind the scenes to bring back. It would have been back in 2020, as we were in advanced stages then but for Covid.
“It is something that evokes a strong and growing feeling and passion among fans in the diaspora. The inquiries we are having from all four countries have taken us by surprise. So, it’s something that we’ve been wanting to bring back for a while. The last one was in 2004—pre-social media times.
“We just think that there are a number of factors that have changed since we last held it that would make it just far more favourable and better received so we can be able to reach people in a way that maybe even the earlier events, as successful as they were, were unable to.”
The host city, London, has a huge African and Caribbean presence—a key factor in the objective of the Unity Cup 2025, which is aimed at celebrating the interconnectivity between both cultures across many variables, particularly through football.
Howes, meanwhile, thanked Premier League club Brentford for their reception so far and highlighted the vital role social media has played in promoting the Unity Cup. He added that as organisers, they will continue to strive to ensure the news of the tournament reaches all communities.
“Yes, very glad to be at the Gtech, the home of Brentford FC, who have really been a very welcoming host,” he continued. “We are aware of the need to publicise this [Unity Cup] across the country and internationally.
“There are communities that have shown interest, and like I mentioned, what wasn’t there 20 years ago was social media, and I think we are making good use of that.
“There has been lots of online banter, as there has been friendly rivalry between the countries, and it has been engaging. All of that has taken us by surprise at how organic it has been, as it seems to have a life of its own and has been owned by the communities. So we are trying our best to not leave anyone out.
“Of course we are limited to the 17,250 people at the stadium, as there are so many fans that can be able to be at the Gtech, but we are definitely looking at ways to engage the wide audience of people that have a keen interest in this event.”
The Afrosport co-director revealed the organisers’ future plans for the Unity Cup and hopes that the tournament meets its set aims and objectives as they plan to make it an annual event.
“I think already we are feeling the buzz,” he said. “Even before we announced it [on Wednesday], word had gone out, and there has been tremendous buzz, anticipation, and excitement.
“We have held the Unity Cup twice before, and we would really be looking to bring this back to stay to have this Afro-Caribbean invitational tournament year after year, and we think it’s a wonderful event that brings people together around football, and we are excited to bring it back and keen to keep it going for the future.”
The Super Eagles are currently the highest-ranked side in the Unity Cup, and many feel they are the favourites to win the tournament, which also has their West African rivals Ghana and promises to be littered with world-class talents.
Howes, in his closing remarks, wished the Super Eagles all the best in their race to secure a place in next year’s FIFA World Cup in North America. He also revealed that they plan to include more teams as the competition grows.
“We hope and pray that the Super Eagles do make it on the plane to the U.S. [for the 2026 FIFA World Cup] next year. That will be an amazing send-off from them taking part in the Unity Cup.
“Our intention is to have this followed up next year with teams that will be on the way to the World Cup. We are looking to have this as an annual event; that is the aim and it’s definitely not a one-off.”
The Unity Cup 2025 tournament is scheduled to begin on May 27 with two semifinal matches, as Jamaica will take on Trinidad and Tobago in the first game before an all-West African affair between the Super Eagles and Ghana.
Meanwhile, the final and third-place match will be played on the same day, on 31 May.
