Femi Azeez made a sensational international debut for the Super Eagles, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semifinal at The Valley on Tuesday night. The 24-year-old Millwall forward became the first Nigerian player this millennium to net a brace on his debut for the national team, marking a historic moment in Nigerian football history. His performance not only secured Nigeria’s place in the final but also captured the attention of fans and pundits across the country.
“I was excited, comfortable, and able to express myself,” Azeez said. “The coach gave us the freedom to do what we want in the attacking zone. When Moffi passed it back to me, I saw the space and went for it. I didn’t think twice.” His role, operating just behind the strikers, drew comparisons to Ademola Lookman, but Azeez admitted it was a new position for him. “I’ve never played that role before, to be honest,” he said. “But I’ve had a few days of training there, and I’ve really enjoyed it. The coaching staff helped me settle in quickly.”
Azeez’s rise to prominence comes on the back of a strong season with Millwall in England’s Championship, where he was named in the Team of the Season despite the club narrowly missing out on Premier League promotion. His debut performance has now thrust him into the spotlight, something he says he is still getting used to. “Probably not. I’m not prepared for it, to be honest,” he said, laughing. “I’ve got loads of notifications on my phone. I’ll have to sift through them, but I guess that’s why we’re here. I want to represent this country and do as well as I can. Playing in front of these fans is incredible.”
With Nigeria set to face Poland in a friendly next week, coach Eric Chelle now faces a crucial decision on whether to include Azeez in the squad for the upcoming match in Warsaw. The young forward’s explosive debut has undoubtedly placed him firmly in the conversation for future selections, and his impact could shape Nigeria’s attacking options in the months ahead.
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