Azeez Brace Sends Super Eagles into Unity Cup Showdown

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, fielding a heavily rotated squad, powered past Zimbabwe with a 2-0 victory in the semi-final of the Unity Cup Football Tournament at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley Stadium on Tuesday night.

Coach Eric Chelle, defending the trophy won last year, handed first international caps to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Chibueze Oputa, and forward Femi Azeez. The youthful lineup quickly stamped authority on the match, with Millwall striker Azeez opening the scoring in the fifth minute.

His thunderous left-footed strike capped a flowing team move and left Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Future Sibanda helpless.

Nigeria’s attacking intent continued, with Alhassan Yusuf and Azeez testing Sibanda again soon after. Zimbabwe responded through Marshall Munetsi, but his effort was blocked by Turkey-based centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu, who marshaled the defense alongside Igoh Ogbu, Oputa, and Igboke to keep the Warriors at bay.

The Warriors pressed forward, with Jordan Zemura and Junior Zindoga threatening, but Nigeria’s backline held firm. Philip Otele and Tochukwu Nnadi nearly doubled the lead before halftime, but Sibanda kept the scoreline at 1-0 going into the break.

The second half saw Nigeria extend their dominance. Azeez struck again in the 52nd minute, finishing off another slick move involving Otele and Terem Moffi. Zimbabwe pushed hard to reduce the deficit, forcing Okonkwo into a full-stretch save in the 71st minute, but Nigeria’s composure never wavered.

Chelle used the opportunity to blood more debutants, introducing Tosin Oyedokun, Owen Oseni, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Aderemi Adeoye late in the game.

With the 2-0 win secured, Nigeria advanced to Saturday’s final at The Valley, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final clash between Jamaica and India.