Poland and Portugal’s World Cup teams are a bit disappointed to learn that Millwall FC has denied Nigeria’s request to release winger Femi Azeez for the two International friendly games.
Even though the Super Eagles are earnestly rebuilding for the 2030 World Cup, Azeez remains a major bright spot for Nigeria following his outing in the recently concluded Unity Cup in London.
Call it a stroke of luck or coaching genius, but Azeez wasn’t originally supposed to play for Nigeria in the Unity Cup. However, Eric Chelle called up the 24-year-old winger who is being touted for a prominent role for a prospective 2030 Super Eagles World Cup team.
Azeez replaced the injured Super Eagle winger, Samuel Chukwueze.
Unity Cup Success Boosts Super Eagles Status
The 24-year-old was one of Nigeria’s standout players during their triumphant Unity Cup last month, scoring two goals and assisting another as he put in timely performances to force his way into the Super Eagles’ plans.
However, Millwall FC has decided not to exercise the option for Azeez to play in the World Cup friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Azeez’s Brilliant Play Draws the Attention of the Premier League
Perhaps the real reason why Azeez has not been allowed to participate in the World Cup friendlies is to keep him healthy for a potential transfer.
Premier League Clubs Monitoring Azeez
According to football insiders Bettingtop10 Nigeria, the rumor mill keeps getting louder about prominent Premier League teams that are highly interested in acquiring Femi Azeez.
Bettingtop10 Nigeria has learned that Brighton & Hove Albion, AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace are all taking a keen interest in Azeez during the transfer window.
Femi Azeez’s Rise at Millwall
For many observers of Azeez’s rise through the Millwall ranks, his impressive displays came as little surprise.
Having burst onto the scene in Championship 20/25-26, scoring 11 and assisting seven times in 35 league appearances, the London-born attacker has been a pivotal figure in the Lions’ quest for promotion.
Azeez was rewarded for his campaign with an impressive average FotMob rating of 7.42; one of the best among wide forwards in the division.
Besides his creative goal-making, what makes Azeez such an enticing prospect for Premier League clubs is his ability to perform on either wing.
With Azeez being left-footed, his unorthodox passing and dribbling continue to frustrate opposing defenses and open up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Since joining the Lions in 2024, he’s improved year on year to find himself touted as one of the Championship’s best attacking prospects, making his ranks through English football.
Earlier this year, he was named the EFL Championship Player of the Month for February 20/26, winning after scoring or creating 5 goals in 5 matches.
What Azeez’s Emergence Means for Nigeria
For Nigeria fans, Azeez’s emergence gives added depth to what is already a golden crop of attacking talent and hopes for a 2030 birth in the World Cup.
For Premier League scouts, the Unity Cup was likely a reminder of one of English football’s most exciting wingers, who shone in the competition just below them.
If Azeez does make the jump to the Premier League, he will join an exceptional growing list of Nigerian players like Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey who are thriving in the Premier League.
CONCLUSION
Femi Azeez’s rapid rise from Championship standout to Super Eagles regular has been one of the most encouraging stories in Nigerian football.
His performances for both Millwall and Nigeria have attracted significant Premier League interest, while also strengthening the Super Eagles’ long-term plans.
If his development continues at the current pace, Azeez could become a key figure in Nigeria’s quest to qualify for and compete at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
