‘Freedom’ – Super Eagles debutant Femi Azeez reacts to record-breaking Zimbabwe performance

Millwall winger Femi Azeez was delighted to have gotten on the scoresheet in Nigeria’s Unity Cup win over Zimbabwe, Afrik Foot reports.

The fixture also served as the Super Eagles’ debut for the 24-year-old, and he popped up with a brace, becoming the first player in the 21st century to score two goals on their first appearance for the Green and Whites.

However, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle revealed there are aspects of the game the EFL Championship team of the Year participant have to improve on.

“He scored two goals, congratulations to him, but also lost a lot of balls technically, so I’m not happy,” the Franco-Malian tactician said.

“He won the ball back many times,sometimes he didn’t recover the ball, so I’m not happy. But for the first time, we can say, “Azeez, congratulations.”

Femi Azeez weighs in on his Super Eagles debut performance

After helping the Super Eagles to the Unity Cup 2026 final, Femi Azeez is eyeing even more of those performances in a Green and White jersey.

“I didn’t know I’m the first player to score a brace on my debut, so it’s a good feeling I guess,” Femi Azeez told NFW Pod.

“Of course, excitement, comfort and expression. The coach gave us the freedome to do what we want in the final third and to express ourselves.

“That’s why we’re here, so, when I saw the opening to shoot, I went for it and didn’t think twice.

Quizzed about his change of role from the wide position he’s used to at Millwall to a number 10 role for the Super Eagles, the England-born Nigerian said:

“You know, I’ve never played that role before, so, I’ve had a couple of days to train in that position and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“A lot of the staff really helped me to fill my way into the role. I was okay in my surroundings and I was able to express myself.

“That’s why I’m here. I want to represent this country, so I’ll do as much as I can,” the ex-Reading winger concluded.

The Unity Cup final will be played on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30 PM WAT.