Azeez Shines with Brace as Nigeria Defeats Zimbabwe 2-0 in Dream Super Eagles Debut

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured their place in the final of the 2026 Unity Cup after a commanding 2-0 win over Zimbabwe’s Warriors in London on Tuesday at The Valley. The victory marks a strong continuation of Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament as they aim to defend the title they won last year. Femi Azeez, making his senior debut for the national team, was the hero of the match, scoring both goals to lead Nigeria to a decisive semi-final triumph.

Azeez opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, giving the Super Eagles an early lead and setting the tone for the match. His performance was a standout moment, showcasing composure and precision on his first appearance for the national team. Nigeria controlled much of the first half, with their attacking play down the flanks consistently testing Zimbabwe’s defense. Alhassan Abdullahi and Terem Moffi both came close to adding to the scoreline, while Zimbabwe struggled to create meaningful chances against a disciplined Nigerian backline.

After the break, Zimbabwe showed signs of improvement and briefly threatened to level the score. However, Nigeria remained composed and focused, maintaining their defensive structure while looking for opportunities to extend their lead. The second goal came in the 62nd minute when Terem Moffi led a quick counterattack and selflessly squared the ball to Azeez, who calmly finished into the net to seal the victory.

The match also saw several players making their full debuts for the Super Eagles. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo started in goal and delivered a steady performance, while Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Samson Tijani, Alhassan Abdullahi, and Al-Ameen all featured in the starting lineup. In the 77th minute, Nigeria made a double substitution, bringing on Tosin Oyedokun and Owen Oseni, who also made their senior debuts, as the coaching staff continued to integrate new talent into the squad.

With this win, Nigeria advances to the final of the Unity Cup, where they will face either Jamaica or India on Saturday, 30 May. The match will be a crucial test as the Super Eagles seek to retain their title and continue their momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures. This performance highlights the depth and potential within the current squad, as Nigeria looks to build on this success in future competitions.