The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured a spot within the ultimate of the 2026 Unity Cup after a convincing 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday night time in London.
The three-time African champions produced a powerful show at The Valley Stadium, house of Charlton Athletic, with debutant Femi Azeez rising as the star of the match.
The Millwall winger loved a dream begin to his worldwide profession by scoring each objectives for Nigeria in his first look for the nationwide workforce, handing head coach Eric Chelle a profitable begin within the four-nation competitors.
Nigeria wasted little time taking management of the competition as Azeez opened the scoring within the fifth minute with a superb strike from outdoors the penalty space after a shiny begin by the Super Eagles.
The early breakthrough gave Nigeria confidence as captain Terem Moffi led the assault successfully, whereas midfielders Tochukwu Nnadi and Samson Tijani delivered stable performances in the midst of the park.
Zimbabwe tried to struggle again, however the Nigerian defence, led by Igoh Ogbu and Chibuike Nwaiwu, remained organised and composed all through the opening half.
Regardless of creating extra possibilities earlier than the break, the Super Eagles went into halftime with solely a slender benefit.
Nigeria continued to dominate after the restart and ultimately doubled their lead within the 63rd minute. Moffi made a powerful run into the field earlier than laying the ball throughout for Azeez, who calmly completed to full his brace.
The excellent show capped a memorable night time for the 24-year-old, who just lately impressed for Millwall within the English Championship after recording 17 purpose contributions and incomes a spot within the league’s Workforce of the Season.
Chelle later refreshed his facet with the introduction of Tosin Oyedokun and Owen Oseni for Philip Otele and Samson Tijani as Nigeria comfortably managed the rest of the sport.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo additionally delivered a assured efficiency each time referred to as upon, serving to the Super Eagles maintain a clear sheet towards a Zimbabwe facet that had beforehand held Nigeria to two attracts through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The victory sends Nigeria into the Unity Cup ultimate, the place they’ll face both Jamaica or India within the title decider.
For Chelle, the efficiency will present encouragement as he continues to assess new gamers and strengthen the squad forward of future aggressive matches.
Nevertheless, the night time belonged to Azeez, whose outstanding debut has shortly made him one of many main speaking factors from Nigeria’s newest outing.
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