Italy’s repechage to World Cup, Nigeria also reacts after Congo case

Eric Chelle’s tactics continue to work regardless of the performers.

A Nigeria full of second-liners, but still hopeful of being repechaged ahead of the World Cup (with the Abuja press particularly busy on the Democratic Republic of Congo case), reacted on the field to the latest vicissitudes and overcame Zimbabwe without any particular difficulty, winning 2-0 at London’s Valley Stadium and gaining access to the Unity Cup final.

Big star of the evening was Millwall striker Miguel Azeez, who scored a brace on his debut with the Super Eagles, with one goal apiece deciding the challenge. The match represented an important showcase for debutants and lesser-used players, and profiles such as Azeez, Phillip Otele and Arthur Okonkwo made the most of their chance to convince coach Eric Chelle. Also decisive was the contribution of Terem Moffi, the most experienced of the team, who stood out for quality and lucidity in his choices, serving both assists for Azeez’s goals.

Zimbabwe suffered from the very first minutes from Nigeria’s pace and offensive physicality, immediately going into trouble. The Super Eagles quickly took control of possession, limiting their opponents’ restart attempts and ending the first half ahead by a narrow margin. In the second half, Nigeria restarted with less intensity, but soon regained fluidity in the game. Shortly after the hour of play came the double, again signed by Femi Azeez, good at finalizing a beautiful choral action. This goal, too, was validated after the VAR check, fixing the result at the final 2-0.

Chelle’s team had other opportunities to extend the lead, while showing little precision under the goal, but still managed to handle the final match without any problems. In the final, Nigeria will face the winner of the second semifinal scheduled between India and Jamaica, aiming to defend the Unity Cup title.