ZIMBABWE senior men national soccer team the Warriors were humiliated by a Nigerian developmental side featuring no known names.
It was a win for defending champions in the 2026 Unity Cup opener against Zimbabwe at The Valley in South-East London on May 26.
A debut double from Femi Azeez, and a solid defensive effort secured a 2-0 win for Naija as they marched on to the Unity Cup final.
The Super Eagles had the perfect start to the evening from Millwall forward Femi Azeez, who struck cleanly from outside the box in the sixth minute past Future Sibanda’s goal, scoring on his international debut giving the defending champions the lead.
Sibanda was regularly put to work in the first half, with both teams playing an open-ended game, throwing caution out the window,
Zimbabwe was desperate to retaliate, especially with a rabid crowd behind them, creating the party and celebratory atmosphere the Unity Cup strives for.
Youngster Corbin Mthunzi threw his body on the line to keep the deficit to one, but a couple moments later controversy arose.
Tawanda Chirewa was brought down in the Nigerian box by Chibuike Nwaiwu’s sliding challenge but to no response from the referee despite Zimbabwe’s protest.
After a cagey start to the second half, a lapse of concentration from Mthunzi saw Naija skipper Terem Moffi slip past him on the left.
A simple squared pass to Azeez for him to complete his brace and double the Nigerian lead in the 63rd minute.
Zimbabwe’s warrior spirit however refused to leave, with Jonah Fabisch making an outside the box attempt a couple moments later, which was held on by Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo.
As the full-time whistle approached, matters began to simmer down as Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle focused on giving players from his bench their first international cap.
Zimbabwe scrambled to pull one back, but their efforts were in vain as Nigeria secured their spot in the Unity Cup final with a 2-0 victory.
Nigeria said it learnt that “No stars, no problem – with notable names such as Victor Osihmen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukuwueze missing from the Super Eagles Unity Cup squad.
Their absence was not felt for a moment in this fixture as their coach gave around nine players their maiden caps for Nigeria, and the inexperience showed no signs to affect Nigeria’s tenacity as they grabbed their first win over Zimbabwe since 2014.
It is as shotstopper Francis Uzoho said in the pre-tournament press conference, this Nigerian side will not be intimidated by anyone as they look to now defend their crown yet again.
The Warriors drew to Nigeria in their three previous encounters, but the defeat here does not reflect a decline. Credit where credit’s due, Zimbabwe put up an impressive performance throughout the 90 minutes.
All that Zimbabwe lacked was a more headstrong effort in finishing. That fine margin defined the final result, but if these issues are addressed in time, Zimbabwe can make a great case to fight for third place at this Unity Cup.
Chelle, Nigeria head coach said: “I think this game was good. I am happy that they played well and I was surprised because they played better than the teams that have been together for six months or one year, and this team played for just the first time.”
“We were supposed to qualify for the World Cup, but we lost the final of the playoff because we were tired. The semi-final against Morocco in the AFCON we lost because we were tired. So, I need to bring some new players to change that situation.” Rex Mphisa/ Wires