Femi Azeez was the architect of the victory as Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the semifinal of the 2026 Unity Cup, Footynaija reports.
The Millwall winger stole the headlines on his international debut, expertly finding the net either side of the half-time break to power Nigeria to the final of the invitational tournament.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, were always favourites to secure a win over a Zimbabwean side 104 places below them on the FIFA world ranking.
Related Post
But with several key players unavailable for selection and Zimbabwe riding on the momentum of their 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Uyo last year, it was always going to be a tricky tie.
After waiting in vain for captain Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon to arrive in camp, head coach Eric Chelle placed his trust in a starting eleven that had two NPFL players, four debutants and a skipper that boasts only 19 international caps.
However, make-shift captain Terem Moffi showed the responsibility did no harm to his confidence as he provided the assist for Azeez to slam home the opener after only five minutes.
The Super Eagles were often on the front foot after that goal and could have doubled their advantage but Philip Otele, Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi and Moffi all failed to score when well-placed.
In search of the equaliser, Zimbabwe dominated at the start of the second half but it was Nigeria who doubled their advantage just past the hour-mark. Moffi led a Nigerian breakaway and the Porto man had the awareness to pick out Azeez in the box, who then applied the finishing touch.
Zimbabwe eventually had their first shot on target in the 70th minute but goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, making his Super Eagles debut, made a fine stop.
With the win in the bag, Chelle handed debuts to Pisa ace Rafiu Durosinmi, Plymouth Argyle striker Owen Oseni, and Ikorodu City midfielder Tosin Oyedokun.
Nigeria’s win over Zimbabwe is the Super Eagles’ first since a 2-0 victory over the Warriors in 2006. During that 20-year wait for a triumph, the former AFCON kings managed three draws, including the two damaging 1-1 draws during the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.
Nigeria now advance to the final of the Unity Cup where they await the winner of the clash between Jamaica and India.
