Femi Azeez announces himself with brace as Nigeria beat Zimbabwe to reach Unity Cup final

Femi Azeez marked a dream debut with a decisive brace as Nigeria overcame Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final on Tuesday night at The Valley in Charlton.

Nigeria, the defending champions, edged the Warriors thanks to two composed finishes from the Millwall winger, securing a place in the final against either Jamaica or India.

Coach Eric Chelle named a heavily rotated side featuring several debutants, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Chibueke Oputa and Kenneth Igboke, and captain Terem Moffi leading the attack.

Nigeria struck early when Philip Otele’s run created space before Moffi teed up Azeez, who fired in from the edge of the box for the opener.

The Super Eagles controlled possession in the first half, with Moffi and Azeez both going close again, while Zimbabwe goalkeeper Future Sibanda denied further damage before the break.

Zimbabwe fight back after the interval

Zimbabwe improved after the restart and forced Nigeria deeper, but the Super Eagles doubled their lead after the hour through a swift counter finished again by Azeez from Moffi’s assist.

Okonkwo produced a key save from Jonah Fabisch’s effort as Nigeria managed the closing stages with substitutions introducing Rafiu Durosinmi, Tosin Oyedokun and Oseni Owen.

Despite late pressure from the Warriors, Chelle’s men held firm to seal victory and book a final clash on March 30 at The Valley.

Nigeria started on the front foot, pressing high and dictating tempo through Moffi’s hold-up play and Azeez’s movement between the lines, which repeatedly unsettled Zimbabwe’s backline.

Zimbabwe gradually grew into the contest after the interval, using wider areas to stretch Nigeria, but struggled to convert possession into clear chances against a disciplined defence.

Azeez stood out with clinical finishing, timing his runs perfectly and benefiting twice from Moffi’s creativity, underlining his growing importance to Eric Chelle’s squad.

Azeez brace secures final place

The result sets up a final meeting with either Jamaica or India, while Zimbabwe will contest the third-place playoff at the same venue later in the week.