Nigeria’s Unity Cup semi-final against Zimbabwe at The Valley in London is expected to provide the first real glimpse of Éric Chelle’s new-look Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
But among all the fresh names in camp, one player has generated more excitement than most; Millwall winger Femi Azeez.
The 24-year-old arrives in the national team after enjoying the best season of his career in the English Championship. Although he narrowly missed out on the official EFL Championship Player of the Season prize, Azeez still finished as the highest-rated player in the entire division according to football statistics company WhoScored, posting an impressive 7.31 rating.
The winger scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 37 league matches as Millwall pushed for promotion playoffs. His performances also earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season, while Premier League clubs such as Everton and Crystal Palace reportedly began monitoring him closely.
Nigerian fans are now eager to see whether his outstanding club form can immediately translate onto the international stage against Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
Femi Azeez: A winger with directness, flair and end product
One major reason supporters are eager to watch Azeez is because he offers a completely different attacking profile from many of Nigeria’s current wide players.
The Millwall star plays with speed, aggression and confidence. He loves running directly at defenders, attacking spaces quickly and forcing full-backs into difficult one-on-one situations.
During his remarkable Championship campaign, Azeez combined entertainment with efficiency. His goal contributions show a player capable of both scoring and creating chances regularly.
Unlike many inverted wingers who focus mainly on cutting inside to shoot, Azeez can hurt teams in several ways. He is comfortable crossing with either foot, driving into the penalty area or firing from distance after drifting inside from the right wing.
His explosive style could be exactly what Chelle wants as he attempts to build a more aggressive Super Eagles attack ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the next Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
What Azeez could mean for Samuel Chukwueze
Azeez’s arrival also creates serious competition for Samuel Chukwueze on the right side of Nigeria’s attack.
For several years, Chukwueze has remained Nigeria’s first-choice right winger, but supporters have often complained about inconsistency in his final delivery despite his dribbling ability.
Azeez enters the squad carrying stronger momentum. While Chukwueze endured mixed fortunes at Fulham during the season, the Millwall winger enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career in England.
Their playing styles are also different. Chukwueze relies heavily on close control, quick feet and technical dribbling in tight spaces. Azeez, meanwhile, brings physical power, explosive acceleration and a more direct crossing game.
With Chelle using the Unity Cup to assess fresh options, reputations may no longer guarantee starting places. A strong performance against Zimbabwe could immediately increase pressure on Chukwueze’s role in the national team.
Why Osimhen could benefit most
Perhaps the biggest excitement surrounding Azeez is the possibility of forming a dangerous partnership with Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s star striker has often looked isolated for the Super Eagles despite becoming one of Africa’s deadliest forwards. One major problem has been the lack of consistent service from wide areas.
Azeez may help solve that issue. His crossing ability, especially from the right flank, could perfectly suit Osimhen’s movement and aerial strength inside the penalty area.
The Super Eagles vice captain is regarded as one of the best headers of the ball in world football, yet Nigeria’s attack has often lacked wingers willing to deliver early and accurate crosses into dangerous areas.
Azeez’s creativity could also reduce the burden on Osimhen to drop deep searching for possession. At Millwall, the winger regularly created big chances and key passes, qualities Nigeria desperately need if they are to compete strongly at major tournaments again.
With World Cup qualification and AFCON success now top priorities under Chelle, fans believe the Azeez-Osimhen combination could become one of the most important partnerships of this new Super Eagles era.
