Femi Azeez’s dream of reaching the Premier League through Millwall’s Championship playoff campaign came to an end after his team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the second leg at The Den on Monday, losing 2-0 on aggregate. The result meant Hull City secured their place in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium, while Millwall’s season ended in disappointment despite a strong campaign. Azeez, the 24-year-old Nigerian winger, had played a crucial role in helping Millwall earn a playoff spot, contributing 11 goals and eight assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. His performances throughout the season have drawn attention from top-flight clubs, with Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth reportedly monitoring his progress.
Hull City’s victory was built on a solid second-half display, with Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt scoring the decisive goals to silence the home crowd. The Tigers’ away win was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, especially after being held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the MKM Stadium. Semi Ajayi, the Nigerian defender who joined Hull City on a free transfer, returned to the starting lineup after being left out for the first leg. He played the full 90 minutes and delivered a composed performance at the heart of defence, helping his side maintain a clean sheet and advance to the final.
For Azeez, the defeat marks the end of his hopes of reaching the Premier League via Millwall’s playoff route. However, his consistent performances throughout the season have kept his name in the spotlight. With several Premier League clubs showing interest, there remains a strong possibility that he could still make the step up to England’s top tier through a transfer in the upcoming window. His pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most promising Nigerian talents in the Championship.
Despite the setback, Azeez’s season has been a significant achievement, especially considering he started the campaign with a new club and quickly established himself as a key player. His ability to influence games from the wing has not gone unnoticed, and his future remains bright. The Nigerian winger now faces a crucial decision about his next move, with potential offers from higher-level clubs likely to come in the coming weeks. The playoff final will be played at Wembley, where Hull City will face the winner of the other semi-final, but Azeez’s focus will shift to securing a move that could fulfill his Premier League ambition. His journey continues, and Nigerian football fans will be watching closely as he seeks to take the next step in his career.
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