Debutant Azeez scores twice as Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe, reach Unity Cup final
Millwall winger Femi Azeez marked his Super Eagles debut with a brace to send Nigeria into the final of the 2026 Unity Cup on Tuesday.
Millwall winger Femi Azeez marked his Super Eagles debut with a brace to send Nigeria into the final of the 2026 Unity Cup on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old inspired a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the semi-final at The Valley in Charlton, London, as Nigeria moved a step closer to retaining the title they won in 2025.
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, announced himself on the international stage with a long-range strike in the fifth minute.
The right-footed 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 damaging 1-1 result in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, but they could not contain the debutant.
Moffi, who captained the side, turned provider again in the 63rd minute to set up Azeez for his second goal and put the result beyond doubt.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also made his senior international debut on the night, as coach Eric Chelle used the tournament to assess new talents 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.
Nigeria had earlier been booked through Kenneth Igboke and Tochukwu Nnadi.
Zimbabwe made five second-half substitutions, including withdrawing Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, but could not find a way back into the contest.
Nigeria will face either Jamaica or India in the final on May 30 at The Valley.
