Dream debut for new Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez as he scored twice in the Unity Cup semi-final match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday night, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria, defending champions of the tournament, edged the Warriors courtesy of two well-taken goals from the Millwall winger at Charlton Athletic’s Stadium, the Valley.
Eric Chelle, who stated repeatedly that the tournament is for fringe Super Eagles players and NPFL stars, named a starting XI filled with debutants. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo started in goal, Rangers International’s defensive duo of Chibueze Oputa and Kenneth Igboke were handed starts, as well as Millwall’s Femi Azeez in attack. 2023 AFCON silver medalist Terem Moffi led the line and was the captain of the day.
Heavy favourites at kick off at the Valley in Charlton, Nigeria, went into the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game. Debutant Philip Otele tried to get into the box, but he was prevented, and the ball fell to Moffi, who laid it on a plate for Azeez to fire home from the edge of the box.
Chelle’s men were a bit comfortable early on, dominating play and having more of the ball possession. Moffi nearly doubled Nigeria’s lead moments later, but he was unlucky. Then, Azeez tried another effort from distance, but it was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper. At the other end, some nervy moments allowed the Warriors to progress into Nigeria’s box, but they barely tested Okonkwo.
Just before half-time, Nigeria went close again, but Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Future Sibanda came to the rescue once more before Tochukwu Nnadi flashed an effort wide, as the two teams returned to the dressing room for the halftime break.
Zimbabwe came out better in the second half, as they enjoyed more possession of the ball. Their movements and coordination in the final third meant more work for Nigeria’s defence line, led by Igoh Ogbu and Chibuike Nwaiwu. Having weathered the early storm, Nigeria doubled their lead after the hour mark. A swift counter ended with Azeez finishing calmly after another fine work from Moffi down the left.
After the two-goal cushion, Okonkwo was tested from distance by Jonah Fabisch, and he was equal to the task. Chelle went ahead to make a couple of changes by introducing Rafiu Durosinmi, Tosin Oyedokun, and Oseni Owen for the trio of Terem Moffi, Samson Tijani and Phillip Otele. Despite a late charge from the Warriors, the Super Eagles held on for the win in the end.
Jamaica and India will trade tackles in the second semifinal match on Wednesday, with the winner facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final on March 30. Meanwhile, the loser will play the third-place match against Zimbabwe on the same day at The Valley.
