Femi Azeez delivered a dream debut for Nigeria, scoring twice as the Super Eagles defeated Zimbabwe to book a place in the Unity Cup final.
The Millwall forward put behind the disappointment of missing out in the Championship play-offs, announcing himself on the international stage with an early opener inside five minutes before adding a second goal shortly after the hour mark to secure Nigeria’s passage.
The victory keeps Nigeria’s perfect Unity Cup record intact, with the Super Eagles now set to defend the title they have won in all three previous editions.
Tuesday’s encounter was billed as a continuation of the rivalry from the CAF World Cup qualifying campaign, where both sides played out two 1-1 draws.
Zimbabwe’s role in damaging Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes remained a talking point before kick-off, but the Super Eagles responded strongly on neutral ground to settle the contest.
Azeez, fresh from a breakout Championship season in which he scored 11 goals and contributed seven assists to earn the EFL Championship Player of the Season award, opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a long-range strike.
The effort from beyond 35 yards was assisted by Terem Moffi.
The Warriors had frustrated Nigeria with draws in each of their last three meetings, including a 1-1 result in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, but they could not contain the debutant.
Moffi, who captained the side, provided the assist again in the 63rd minute to set up Azeez for his second goal and put the result beyond reach.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also made his senior international debut on the night, as coach Eric Chelle used the tournament to assess new players ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Notable absentees for Nigeria included Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
Chelle made extensive use of his bench in the second half, introducing Rafiu Durosinmi, Tosin Oyedokun, Owen Oseni and Aderemi Adeoye at various stages.
Oseni was cautioned in the 87th minute shortly after coming on.
They will face either Jamaica or India in Saturday’s final at The Valley Stadium, home of Charlton Athletic.
