Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is closely monitoring Millwall winger Femi Azeez as he prepares for the upcoming Unity Cup in London next month. The Malian tactician is actively scouting players of Nigerian descent across Europe, with Azeez emerging as a top target for a potential maiden call-up. Born in England 24 years ago to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, Azeez holds eligibility for all three nations, but his interest in representing Nigeria has caught the attention of the Super Eagles’ technical committee.
Azeez has been in outstanding form for Millwall this season, contributing 17 goal involvements in 33 league appearances. His consistent performances earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season, highlighting his growing influence in the second tier of English football. The 24-year-old’s attacking flair and versatility on the wing make him an attractive option for Chelle as he builds a squad for the Unity Cup, which will be held at The Valley stadium in London.
According to Colin Udoh of ESPN, Chelle is keen to bring Azeez into the fold for the tournament, with the player reportedly open to the idea of playing for Nigeria. Azeez’s agency, ARETÉ, based in London, also manages Wrexham goalkeeper Okonkwo, who is another name on Chelle’s radar. This suggests a broader strategy by the coach to identify and recruit Nigerian talents currently playing in the UK.
While Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has also been linked with a potential invite, he is unlikely to feature in the Unity Cup due to his provisional cap-tie with England. Unlike Iroegbunam, Azeez remains uncapped at the international level, making him a more viable option for Chelle’s squad. The coach’s focus on uncapped players allows for greater flexibility and the opportunity to build a new generation of Super Eagles talent.
The Unity Cup serves as a crucial platform for Chelle to assess players and prepare for future international challenges. By targeting players like Azeez, who are performing at a high level in competitive leagues, Nigeria aims to strengthen its squad with fresh, dynamic talent. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether Azeez receives his first call-up and how he performs if selected.
This move reflects a broader trend in Nigerian football, where the national team increasingly looks beyond the domestic league to identify and integrate players abroad. With Azeez’s form and eligibility, he could become a key figure in Nigeria’s future plans, both for the Unity Cup and beyond.
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