Femi Azeez marked his Nigeria debut in style on Tuesday night, scoring twice as the Super Eagles eased past Zimbabwe 2–0 to reach the Unity Cup final at The Valley.
The Millwall forward wasted no time announcing himself on the international stage, smashing in a superb opener from outside the box in the sixth minute after being teed up by Terem Moffi.
Nigeria dominated the first half and should have extended their lead before the break, with Philip Otele, Alhassan Yusuf and Moffi all spurning chances. Zimbabwe were limited to a few opportunities as the Super Eagles’ defence held firm.
The Warriors enjoyed more possession after the restart, but Nigeria’s back line stood up to the pressure. Arthur Okonkwo then produced a fine save 20 minutes from time to deny Zimbabwe a route back into the match.
Azeez sealed the win on 62 minutes, calmly slotting home inside the box from Otele’s precise pass to complete a dream debut.
The result keeps Nigeria’s perfect Unity Cup record intact. The Super Eagles have lifted the trophy in all three previous editions and will now face either Jamaica or India in Saturday’s final at Charlton Athletic’s Valley Stadium.
Tuesday’s semi-final had been billed as a chance for Nigeria to settle scores after two frustrating 1–1 draws with Zimbabwe in CAF World Cup qualifying. Those results had dented the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes, but Eric Chelle’s side responded emphatically on neutral ground.
For Zimbabwe, the defeat means they will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday against the loser of the other semi-final.
The Unity Cup brings together nations with large diaspora communities in the United Kingdom.
Nigeria Starting XI
Okonkwo, Oputa, Ignore, Abdullahi, Ogbu, Nwaiwu, Azeez Belosu, Nnadi, Moffi, Tijani, Otele
Zimbabwe Starting XI
Sibanda, Mthunzi, Zemura, Garananga, Maroodza, Nakamba, Fabisch, Munetsi, Fusire, Chirewa, Zindoga
More: ZimLive, Daily Post
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