Millwall forward Femi Azeez announced his arrival on the Nigerian football scene on Tuesday night, scoring a brace on his debut to help the Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 and reach the final of the 2026 Unity Cup in London, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Azeez was one of the 12 debutants invited by coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup title defence, and the 24-year-old made an immediate impact by becoming the first Nigerian this millennium to score a brace on his debut. His first goal came inside the opening five minutes, arriving on time to fire a low left-footed strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after being teed up by Terem Moffi. He doubled Nigeria’s lead in the second half, finishing off a swift counterattack after another fine piece of work from Moffi down the left. Azeez’s performance reflected the outstanding season he had with Millwall, and he was full of optimism about what lies ahead with the Super Eagles. “It was a mix of excitement, comfortability and expression,” Azeez told Nigeria Football Weekly. “The manager gave us freedom, especially in the final third, to do what we want and express ourselves. That’s why we’re here at the end of the day. “When Moffi passed the ball back to me, and I saw that, I was going for it. I didn’t even think twice. I just went for it.” With most of the regulars expected to return for the June friendlies against Portugal and Poland, Azeez also relished playing in a role more commonly associated with Ademola Lookman. “I’ve never really played in that position before, I’ll be honest,” Azeez revealed. “But over the last few days in training, I really enjoyed it. The management and technical staff helped me feel my way into the role.” “As soon as I touched the ball and got comfortable with my surroundings, I was able to show what I can do,” he said. Related News EPL: Arsenal spent 238 days on top to clinch title – Report ICYMI: Atiku wins ADC ticket, seeks unity with Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen No religious teaching supports banditry, killings – Tinubu “Yeah, I enjoyed it a lot. “I just want to represent this country, do as well as I can, and play in front of these fans. It’s incredible.” Born in England to a Nigerian father and a Spanish mother, Azeez began his football journey at the age of nine but was released from the Watford youth system at 14. He began his senior career with non-league side Northwood. After making 12 appearances in his debut season, he signed for fellow non-league club Wealdstone in 2018. Following his spell at Wealdstone, which included a loan move to Hanwell Town in 2018, he joined Reading in 2019. He was later loaned to Bracknell Town before making his senior debut for Reading in 2021. He became an important part of the team during the 2023/24 season before signing for Millwall in 2024. At Millwall, Azeez enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the just-concluded season, recording 11 goals and seven assists in 37 Championship games. He was named the EFL Championship Player of the Month for February 2026 after registering five goal contributions in five matches. He also has a younger brother, Miguel Azeez, who plays as a midfielder for National League club Morecambe. The younger Azeez began his career in Arsenal’s youth academy at the age of five. On September 24, 2019, he signed his first professional contract with Arsenal. He made his first-team debut on December 10, 2020, replacing Joe Willock in the 83rd minute of a 4-2 UEFA Europa League win over Irish side Dundalk at the Aviva Stadium. For Femi Azeez, his rise during the just-concluded Championship season has also made him a transfer subject, with former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney tipping him for a move to the Premier League. “I think Femi Azeez is one of those players who can step up,” Rooney said. “He’s a player I’ve watched, and I really like him. He’s an intelligent football player, and I think to go and play in the Premier League, you need that intelligence to be able to find space, take the ball and be a match-winner. “I think he’s one player who’s more suited to the Premier League.”
