The Super Eagles of Nigeria produced an impressive display with an under-strength squad on Tuesday night to defeat Zimbabwe national football team 2-0 and book a place in the final of the Unity Cup Football Tournament in London.
Playing at Charlton Athletic’s Valley Stadium, Nigeria dominated large periods of the semi-final despite fielding a largely unfamiliar side, with several players making their international debuts under coach Eric Chelle.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Chibueze Oputa and forward Femi Azeez all earned their first senior caps, while Chelle also handed late debut appearances to Tosin Oyedokun, Owen Oseni, Rafiu Durosinmi and Aderemi Adeoye.
Millwall forward Femi Azeez emerged as the star of the night, scoring both goals as the Super Eagles comfortably controlled the contest.
Nigeria took the lead after just five minutes when Azeez finished off a flowing team move with a powerful left-footed strike that beat Zimbabwe goalkeeper Future Sibanda.
The Super Eagles nearly doubled their advantage moments later through Azeez and midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, but Sibanda reacted well to keep Zimbabwe in the game.
Zimbabwe’s best opportunities in the first half came through Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura, but Nigeria’s defensive line, led by Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu and Oputa, remained disciplined throughout the encounter.
Nwaiwu produced one of the key defensive moments of the first half with a crucial tackle inside the penalty area to stop Junior Zindoga from advancing on goal.
Germany-based winger Philip Otele and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also came close before the break as Nigeria continued to threaten on the counterattack.
The second goal arrived shortly after halftime following another swift attacking move. Otele found Terem Moffi, who then set up Azeez inside the box before the winger calmly beat Sibanda to complete his brace.
Zimbabwe pushed forward in search of a response and almost pulled one back in the 71st minute, but Okonkwo stretched full length to make an important save and preserve Nigeria’s clean sheet.
With the result effectively secured, Chelle used the closing stages to introduce more debutants as Nigeria comfortably saw out the match.
The victory sends the defending champions into Saturday’s final at the same venue, where they will face either Jamaica or India, who meet in Wednesday’s second semi-final.
