Femi Azeez announced himself in style on the international stage, scoring twice as the Super Eagles defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in their 2026 Unity Cup semifinal clash at The Valley on Tuesday.
The Millwall attacker was among several fresh faces named in Eric Chelle’s starting lineup for the encounter. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also made his debut, alongside Enugu Rangers duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke.
Nigeria began the match brightly and took the lead just five minutes into the contest. Captain Terem Moffi teed up Azeez, who fired a superb left-footed effort into the bottom corner to give the Super Eagles an early advantage.
The three-time African champions continued to press for a second goal, but Zimbabwe’s resolute defending kept the scoreline at 1-0 heading into the break.
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The second half followed a similar pattern, with Nigeria dominating possession and controlling the tempo of the game. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 62nd minute when Azeez grabbed his second of the night.
Once again, Moffi was the provider after latching onto a well-weighted through pass before cutting the ball back for Azeez, who calmly slotted home to double Nigeria’s lead.
Following the goal, Chelle made several changes, introducing debutant Rafiu Durosinmi in place of Moffi. Samson Tijani and Philip Otele were also replaced by Tosin Oyedokun and Owen Oseni respectively.
Ikorodu City’s Aderemi Adeoye came on for Femi Azeez as Nigeria’s final change. Despite the substitutions, the Super Eagles remained firmly in control and comfortably saw out the game to secure a 2-0 victory.
The result sends Nigeria into the final of the 2026 Unity Cup, where they will face either Jamaica or India in the battle for the trophy.
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