Why Femi Azeez will be absent in Super Eagles friendlies against Poland and Portugal

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Millwall winger Femi Azeez will not be part of the Super Eagles squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old emerged as one of the biggest winners from Nigeria’s successful Unity Cup campaign in London, scoring twice and registering an assist across two appearances as Eric Chelle’s side retained the trophy.

However, despite initially being considered as a replacement for the unavailable Samuel Chukwueze, Azeez will now remain in England after Millwall declined to release the forward for international duty.

Femi Azeez of Millwall during the Millwall v Norwich City EFL Sky Bet Championship match at The Den, London.
Femi Azeez of Millwall. Copyright: Imago

Femi Azeez to miss Portugal & Poland friendlies

Following his brilliant displays against Zimbabwe and Jamaica, Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, included Azeez in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming friendlies.

Considering Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are unavailable, Azeez appeared well-positioned to earn another opportunity.

However, Millwall turned down Nigeria’s appeal because he was not included in Chelle’s original 24-man squad for the June friendlies and was only considered later following his impressive Unity Cup performances.

Due to that, Millwall were within their rights to refuse permission for him to join the national team.

Femi Azeez of Nigeria scores to make it 1-0 during the Unity Cup 2026 Semi-Finals
Femi Azeez of Nigeria scores to make it 1-0 during the Unity Cup 2026 Semi-Finals. Copyright: ImagoxNewsxImages

The Championship club also have significant reasons to protect one of their most valuable assets.

Azeez is attracting growing interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting Millwall recently rejected a bid worth £20 million from Premier League side Ipswich Town.

Several other clubs, including Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, have also been linked with the winger following his outstanding Championship season, where he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.

Super Eagles stars Femi Azeez and Terem Moffi
Super Eagles stars Femi Azeez and Terem Moffi. Copyright: xManjitxNarotrax IMAGO

For now, Azeez will return to Millwall, where his future will be decided as the summer transfer window stories begin to shape up.

His performances for both club and country have significantly enhanced his reputation, while his market value continues to rise amid interest from Premier League sides.

<!-- Author Start -->Adefolahan Guerreiro<!-- Author End -->

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

Adefolahan is a CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Afrik Foot, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.