Unity Cup 2026 — Nigeria beats Zimbabwe 2-0 and remains on course to defend its title

Femi Azeez shone on his international debut as he scored a goal for Nigeria in the 2-0 win against Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

Azeez, who plays for Millwall in the EFL Championship, looked comfortable in familiar English conditions at The Valley – home of Charlton Athletic FC – and found the net once in each half to keep the Super Eagles on course to defend the title.

The Super Eagles were the more aggressive side from the start and found the breakthrough within five minutes when Terem Moffi set up Azeez in the penalty area.

Moffi, who recently won the Portuguese top flight with Porto, was the architect behind both goals. Moffi led the team in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi and also came close to scoring several times, but was denied by an alert Zimbabwe defense.

Nigeria doubled their lead after an hour when the combination of Moffi and Azeez produced another result when the latter guided a cross from the left flank into the net.

The Super Eagles will now meet the winner of the other semi-final, between Jamaica and India, at the same venue later on Wednesday.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle named an experimental squad for the match, including 12 debutants, and Azeez’s brace will keep him ahead in the pecking order when the 2027 AFCON qualifiers begin in September.

Published on May 27, 2026