The Super Eagles of Nigeria lead Zimbabwe by an early goal by debutant Femi Azeez at The Valley in this Unity Cup semis.
The Super Eagles played with a lot of confidence and zest, stringing passes between themselves with goal scorer Azeez, right back Chibueze Oputa, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Philip Otele on the left flank catching the eye
Millwall winger Azeez underlined his quality when he fired a fierce shot from the top of the box after just five minutes when he was set up by captain Terem Moffi.
It was the tonic thus experimental Nigerian selection needed as they came close to doubling their advantage soon after but the Zimbabwe goalkeeper made a big save.
Thereafter, the Warriors of Zimbabwe chased the game and even had a goal-bound shot by Marshal Munetsi blocked for a corner on 18 minutes.
In the 32nd minute, Zimbabwe again came close when Jordan delivered a rasping shot at the Nigerian goal.
Three minutes later, Alhassan Yusuf was denied his first Super Eagles when he was teed up by Moffi.
On the dot of 45 minutes, the Zimbabwe goalkeeper pulled off another save for both teams to go into the dressing room with the Super Eagles a goal ahead.
