Femi Azeez scored twice on his Nigeria debut against Zimbabwe to help seal a place in the Unity Cup final. The Millwall forward put the recent Championship play-off heartbreak to one side and grabbed his opportunity on the international stage with both hands, opening the scoring inside five minutes before giving the Super Eagles breathing space just after the hour mark.
As such, Nigeria - the winners of all three previous editions of the Unity Cup - will look to defend their crown against either Jamaica or India in Saturday’s final at Charlton’s The Valley stadium.
Billed as the rematch from the CAF World Cup qualification campaign, memories of the two 1-1 draws were still fresh before kick-off, but a score has been settled on neutral ground. Zimbabwe managed to derail Nigeria’s World Cup bid, though were on the losing side on Tuesdat evening and therefore have to settle for a place in the third-place play-off which takes place on the same day as the Unity Cup final. Follow the game back below with our dedicated match blog!
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe recap
- GOAL! Azeez scores his second
- GOAL! Azeez puts Nigeria ahead inside five minutes
Nigeria reach Unity Cup final
22:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Femi Azeez scored twice on his Nigeria debut against Zimbabwe to help seal a place in the Unity Cup final.
The Millwall forward put the recent Championship play-off heartbreak to one side and grabbed his opportunity on the international stage with both hands, opening the scoring inside five minutes before giving the Super Eagles breathing space just after the hour mark.
As such, Nigeria - the winners of all three previous editions of the Unity Cup - will look to defend their crown in Saturday’s final at Charlton’s The Valley stadium.
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE
21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Femi Azeez at the double as Nigeria beat Zimbabwe to reach Unity Cup final.
FULL-TIME
21:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
90+3 min: Zimbabwe free-kick causes panic in the box but Okonkwo is able to get down and place both hands on the ball, bringing the situation under control.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
90 min: Into FOUR minutes of stoppage time as Nwaiwu is bundle over.
Azeez then goes off to a standing ovation from the Nigeria supporters, replaced by Adeoye.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
88 min: Garananga strides forward from central defence and has a shot deflected behind for a corner which is then wasted. Time is running out for Zimbabwe to get a goal and set up a tense finale.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
86 min: Oseni booked and Zimbabwe have a free-kick which finds the head of Munetsi and he cushions the ball back into a dangerous area but none of his team-mates gambled.
He has every right to be annoyed.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
83 min: Flurry of substitutions are beginning to disrupt the flow of the game as Msendami replaces Zemura for Zimbabwe.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
80 min: Azeez is having fun out there and the Nigeria supporters are enjoying his performance. Nice bit of trickery out on the right followed by a teasing cross which is just a tad too strong.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
77 min: Here comes a double Nigeria change as Tijani and Otele make way for Oyedokun and Oseni.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
76 min: Another Zimbabwe change as Navaya replaces Zindoga.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
74 min: Yellow card shown to Mthunzi.
Double change for Zimbabwe as Chirewa and Nakamba make way for Moffat and Tshuma.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
21:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
71 min: That Nigeria second goal came against the run of play and seems to have deflated the Zimbabwe players.
However, Fabisch tries to pull one back with a shot from range, but Okonkwo is equal to it. Bit of a warning for the Super Eagles that his semi-final tie is far from done.
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe
20:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
66 min: A drinks break follows a Nigeria change with Durosinmi replacing Moffi in attack.
GOAL! Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe | Femi Azeez ‘63
20:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
63 min: GOALLLLLLLL!
Just moments after nearly conceding, Nigeria race up the other end and score themselves.
Unselfish play from Moffi as he squares for Azeez to score his second of the evening.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
62 min: Zimbabwe should be level now as Munetsi has a free header from a corner but he can’t keep his effort down. Huge chance!
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
60 min: Nigeria get away with one as Zindoga’s cross loops over Okonkwo and appears to hit the crossbar before going out of play.
Only one side looks like scoring the next goal.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
59 min: Strong tackle from Igboke on Fusire leaves the Zimbabwean on the floor in a heap. Yellow card for the Nigeria defender.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
57 min: Moffi tricks his way to the byline and attempts a cross with te outside of his left boot which Sibanda reads as he collects the cross with Otele waiting to pounce.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
55 min: Maroodza with a fantastic tackle on Azeez to stop the Nigeria goalscorer advancing into the box. The Zimbabwe defender had to time that tackle and he did so to perfection.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
53 min: Much more positive start to the half from Zimbabwe. Nigeria yet to mount a serious attack and are struggling to get a foot on the ball.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
49 min: Ooooh, Munetsi goes down in the box under a challenge from Nwaiwu but the referee waves play on. Zimbabwe fans and players were adamant that was a penalty!
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
48 min: Another free-kick conceded by Moffi, this time for a late lunge on Maroodza. Zimbabwe then win another free-kick seconds later in a more promising position.
Chirewa’s delivery is superb, but none of his team-mates can get a touch and Nigeria get bodies back to deal with the danger.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
46 min: Doesn’t appear to have been any changes made by either side during the interval.
KICK-OFF!
20:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Back underway in south-east London.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The teams are making their way back out onto the pitch, second half is coming up.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Not a bad way to mark your first start for Nigeria!
We lead at the break🦅#UnityCup #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/APybYJ2Sem
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 26, 2026
Fan reaction: Fears of a repeat
20:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Call it PTSD but I never like a one-goal lead against Zimbabwe.#UnityCup
— Joy(best after mum)Ojeabulu (@Euphoria_Sticks) May 26, 2026
Fan thoughts: Nigeria impressing
20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Impressive first half by the Super Eagles and shout out to the boys from the NPFL for giving a good account of themselves ✨🦅🇳🇬#NGAZIM #UnityCup
— OlaFash (@_olashubomii) May 26, 2026
Fan reaction: Okonkwo's first half
20:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
What a solid begining for Okonkwo 🇳🇬 End of Nwabali sluggishness 🤤
— Oluwadara_Simi🥱🤗 (@Izzie_Lee334) May 26, 2026
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria lead at the break thanks to a fifth minute goal from Femi Azeez.
The Super Eagles are well worth their half-time lead, and really should be further ahead as they’ve been rather wasteful with a couple of golden chances.
HALF-TIME
20:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
45 min: CHANCE!
Moffi and Otele combine well, the latter is put clean through but pokes a shot straight at Sibanda.
Two minutes of stoppage time has been indicated.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
44 min: Nigeria just knocking the ball around as the first half draws to a close.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
42 min: Nwaiwu comes across to make a superb tackle on Zindoga as the Zimbabwe forward look set to pull the trigger after a strong run.
Ogbu, a little weak in the tackle there.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
40 min: Good play from Maroodza down Zimbabwe’s left as Oputa wildly commits to a tackle and is skipped past. Nigeria get enough bodies back to snuff out the danger.
Here come Zimbabwe on the opposite side as a pull back attempt is missed before Zindoga fires over the bar.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
37 min: Zimbabwe don’t make the most of the resulting free-kick as a mix-up in communication between Chirewa and Munetsi sees the ball roll out of play.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
35 min: CHANCE!
Again, Nigeria’s left-hand side continues to carve out opportunities but Abdullahi is denied from close range.
Nnadi then picks up the first yellow card of the Unity Cup semi-final.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
33 min: Another break in play for Zimbabwe goalkeeper Sibanda to receive treatment in his own box. Not sure what happened there, but he seems fine to carry on.
Right knee appears to be bothering him.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
32 min: Okonkwo comes and claims a cross. In fairness, the goalkeeper has barely had anything to do on his Nigeria debut.
As I say that, his pass puts the Super Eagles in some trouble, Zimbabwe work it well before Munetsi fires over from a tight angle.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
20:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
29 min: Tijani and Igboke are really catching the eye here. The former sets up a chance which is not taken before the latter shows fine recovery speed to stop a Zimbabwe attack.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
27 min: Back underway following the drinks break, but Azeez and Garananga need a moment after a clash of heads.
Azeez then has a shot which is rather tame and straight at Sibanda.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
22 min: Plenty of rotation in this Nigeria set-up as Abdullahi finds space in midfield and is able to turn and run at the Zimbabwe defence. However, his decision making is off and the attack breaks down.
At the other end, Fabisch flashes an effort just wide before we get a drinks break.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
19 min: Zimbabwe threaten for the first time and win a corner after a shot is blocked. Chirewa’s delivery is poor but he will get a second attempt.
And now a third after the referee spotted a foul in the box.
Take three is much better but Zindoga can’t keep his header down.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
17 min: Nigeria are playing out from the back rather smoothly in the opening exchanges, Nwaiwu has shown a lot of confidence on the ball as Moffi goes up for a header at the other end which is blocked.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
14 min: Lovely control from Azeez to bring down a long raking pass, but the midfielder is judged to have started his run in an offside position.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
13 min: Nigeria’s left-side of Igboke and Tijani are causing problems for Zimbabwe. The goal came via that route, as did the chance for Abdullahi.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
11 min: CHANCE!
Good play by Nigeria down the left-hand side, the ball is pulled back to Abdullahi who looks certain to score with a side-footed finish, but his effort is straight at Sibanda and he makes the save.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
9 min: Moffi is perhaps a bit fortunate to have avoided a yellow card for tugging back Fabisch. Just a free-kick given but Nigeria win the ball back very quickly and look to build an attack.
Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
8 min: The game has been paused momentarily for Tijani to receive some treatment. He is ordered off the pitch and will have to wait 30 seconds to return.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Zimbabwe | Femi Azeez ‘5
19:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
5 min: NIGERIA LEAD!
The perfect start for Nigeria as Femi Azeez lashes one home from just outside the area. A really good strike from the debuntant.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
3 min: First touch for Okonkwo at senior international level. He is sure to have some nerves, even if this isn’t a major tournament fixture.
Nigeria 0-0 Zimbabwe
19:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
1 min: Azeez tries to get in behind the Zimbabwe defence early on but he is held off and the ball runs out for a goal kick.
KICK-OFF!
19:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Away we go!
As things stand
19:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The winners will progress to Saturday's final to face India or Jamaica for the right to be crowned 2026 Unity Cup champions.
The losing side, however, will have to settle for the third-place play-off which takes place on the same day as the final.
National anthems
19:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
As is the case before any international fixture, we get to hear the national anthem for both teams.
HERE WE GO!
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The teams are out at The Valley!
Kick-off is next.
Last time out
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria saw their hopes of sealing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup suffer a massive blow after conceding a 90th minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Zimbabwe.
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Zimbabwe haven’t quite travelled in large numbers, but they have brought plenty of energy.
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE
19:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Setting the scene!
Team news reminder
19:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is how both teams will line-up today.
Nigeria XI: Okonkwo; Oputa, Igboke, Abdullahi, Ogbu, Nwaiwu, Azeez Beloso, Nnadi, Moffi, Tijani, Otele.
Substitutes: Uzoho, Atata, Oyedokun, Adeoye, Elias, Durosinmi, Oseni, Ayobami, Tijani.
Zimbabwe XI: Sibanda; Mthunzi, Zemura, Garananga, Maroodza, Nakamba, Fabisch, Munetsi, Fusire, Chirewa, Zindoga.
Substitutes: Tavaziva, Jalai, Mauchi, Moffat, Tshuma, Padera, Murwira, Navaya, Msendami, Takwara.
Fan reaction: Nigeria lineup
19:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Letss see the saves okonkwo will pull off.
— Naija🇳🇬 football news origin switches and more. (@NaijascoutforSE) May 26, 2026
Again it will be a battle between Ogbu and Nwaiwu for the SE pecking order
Letss what the midfield can offer and the attack https://t.co/woDNFK62kR
Kick-off approaching at in south-east London
19:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Less than 15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Valley.
Unity Cup confirmed as FIFA Tier 1 event
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Huge development!
The Unity Cup has officially been announced as a FIFA Tier 1 event, marking a major milestone for the tournament and reinforcing its growing international profile ahead of this week’s competition at The Valley in south-east London.
Tournament organisers welcomed the FIFA Tier 1 designation as a significant step forward for the competition, ensuring participating fixtures carry full international recognition under FIFA regulations while continuing the Unity Cup’s legacy of celebrating football, culture and diaspora communities in London.
Fan thoughts: Okonkwo chance
19:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Okonkwo finally. Glory be to God, https://t.co/UAH8pnbamG pic.twitter.com/IonbID54X0
— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) May 26, 2026
Fan reaction: Okonkwo debut
19:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
It’s an interesting Unity cup with the new lads getting what it feels like representing the Supereagles of Nigeria. I’m most excited to watch Arthur Okonkwo and Nnadi.
— Big Chris🖤 (@ceebyk) May 26, 2026
What is the Unity Cup?
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The Unity Cup is a premier international football tournament celebrating AfroCentric and global diaspora communities.
This year’s Unity Cup will feature four international teams; Nigeria, Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe, competing across two semi-finals and a finals day between 26-30 May at Charlton Athletic’s historic home ground.
The opening semi-final will see Nigeria face Zimbabwe, followed by Jamaica against India, with the third-place play-off and final taking place on Saturday 30 May.
Zimbabwe team in full
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Zimbabwe XI: Sibanda; Mthunzi, Zemura, Garananga, Maroodza, Nakamba, Fabisch, Munetsi, Fusire, Chirewa, Zindoga.
Substitutes: Tavaziva, Jalai, Mauchi, Moffat, Tshuma, Padera, Murwira, Navaya, Msendami, Takwara.
CONFIRMED ZIMBABWE TEAM NEWS
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Lining up for The Warriors...
Warriors Starting XI
— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) May 26, 2026
Nigeria🇳🇬vs🇿🇼Zimbabwe#bayawabaya #UnityCup pic.twitter.com/ZRNWheEWXm
Nigeria team in full
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria XI: Okonkwo; Oputa, Igboke, Abdullahi, Ogbu, Nwaiwu, Azeez Beloso, Nnadi, Moffi, Tijani, Otele.
Substitutes: Uzoho, Atata, Oyedokun, Adeoye, Elias, Durosinmi, Oseni, Ayobami, Tijani.
Warm-ups
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Still waiting for the Zimbabwe team to be confirmed.
Warriors having a feel of the turf before warm-up 📸
— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) May 26, 2026
Nigeria🇳🇬vs🇿🇼Zimbabwe#bayawabaya #UnityCup pic.twitter.com/VH4zt7uRsY
CONFIRMED NIGERIA TEAM NEWS
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is the Nigeria team selected by Eric Chelle for this evening's Unity Cup semi-final...
Your #SuperEagles XI for tonight’s clash. pic.twitter.com/bUscCmvXrC
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 26, 2026
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE - team news imminent
18:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Zimbabwe are ready
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Pre-match post from the Zimbabwe media team.
The Valley is ready.. and so are we.
— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) May 26, 2026
Nigeria🇳🇬vs🇿🇼Zimbabwe#bayawabaya #UnityCup pic.twitter.com/o2JCxSPBaF
Today's settings
18:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
For the second time in Unity Cup history, the tournament will be held at The Valley.
What a day for it too!
![[object Object] (Getty Images)](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/01/25/16/52/GettyImages-1956311961.jpg)
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe latest match odds
18:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria to win: 8/11
Zimbabwe to win: 16/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
18:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Since losing the first-ever meeting between the two nations in August 1981, Nigeria are unbeaten against Zimbabwe. However, the last three matches have all been drawn.
Nigeria wins: 4
Zimbabwe wins: 1
Draws: 4
Score prediction
18:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
This fixture is a difficult one to predict, given it is a much changed Nigeria squad. As a result, we can see this one going all the way to a penalty shootout with the defending champions progressing - but only just.
Draw, 1-1, Nigeria to win on penalties.
Zimbabwe team news
18:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Zimbabwe's 23-man squad for the Unity Cup is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England)
Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba, Zimbabwe)
Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi, South Africa)
DEFENDERS
Munashe Garananga (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town, England)
Shane Maroodza (FC Sarajevo, Bosnia)
Gerald Takwara (Al-Ittihad Misurata, Libya)
Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)
Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City FC, South Africa)
Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England)
MIDFIELDERS
Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders, Zimbabwe)
Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday, England)
Aboubacar Moffat (Scottland, Zimbabwe)
Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue, Germany)
Marshall Munetsi (Paris, France)
Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsley FC, England)
ATTACKERS
Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC, Scotland)
Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania)
Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy, South Africa)
Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium)
Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece)
Nigeria team news: Okonkwo could make debut
18:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has named two different squads for this international window.
The likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams and Raphael Onyedika are the more familiar names included in the Unity Cup squad list.
Arthur Okonkwo could make his senior international debut after receiving his first call-up.
How to watch
18:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
TV channel: The game will not be broadcast in the UK.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog!
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe LIVE
17:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Nigeria vs Zimbabwe!
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7.30pm BST from Charlton's The Valley. Stick with us!
