“Not happy with him” – Why Eric Chelle criticized Femi Azeez despite stunning Super Eagles debut

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has voiced his dissatisfaction with Femi Azeez’s overall performance despite Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Azeez, one of the newly invited players to the squad for the Unity Cup, was thrown straight into the fray for Nigeria’s opening match of the four-nation tournament against the Zimbabwe Warriors.

​The Millwall winger, who was one of the standout players in the recently concluded English Championship season, seemingly carried that fine form over to the national team by netting a brace to secure the win.

He played 91 minutes before being replaced by Aderemi Adeoye in the closing moments of the game.

​To many Nigerian fans and pundits, Azeez was the undisputed best player on the pitch after scoring the goals that sealed the victory.

However, while Chelle congratulated Azeez on his goals, the Franco-Malian tactician remained highly critical of the Millwall player’s broader contribution.

​What Éric Chelle Said About Femi Azeez’s Performance

​Although Chelle congratulated Azeez on his brace, he complained that the 24-year-old failed to follow tactical instructions.

​”You can ask Azeez directly. The first objective was for him to run today; this is what I asked of them,” Chelle said. “The second instruction was to press high, but during the 90 minutes, they did not.

​”So we have to analyze the performance, particularly Azeez’s. I know he scored two goals, so congratulations to him. But he lost possession far too often technically, so I’m not happy. He won the ball back at times, but other times he didn’t, so I’m not happy. But for his debut, I can say congratulations to him.”

​Following the Unity Cup, Nigeria is scheduled to face Poland and Portugal in two friendlies this June. When asked whether Azeez’s debut performance had earned him a spot in that upcoming squad, Chelle gave a coy response.

​”If I want him for the games against Portugal and Poland, I’ll say yes. But if I don’t want him, I’ll say no.”

​Following their win over Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles will await the winner of today’s match between India and Jamaica.