Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has said Super Eagles have found a star for the future in Femi Azeez.
Azeez Marks Debut With Brace
Born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, Azeez made his debut for the Super Eagles in the semi-final of the 2026 Unity Cup against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
It was a dream debut for the 24-year-old, as he netted the two goals which gave the Super Eagles a 2-0 win, which earned them a place in the final on Saturday where they will face either Jamaica or India.
Other players who also made their debuts include Wrexham first choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Rafiu Durosinmi of Pisa FC in Italy, Owen Useni of Plymouth Argyle, Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City and Rangers of Enugu duo Obinna Igboke and Chibueze Oputa.
Commenting on the impressive performance by Azeez, Sodje praised head coach Eric Chelle for using the Unity Cup to assess new players.
“They all played well, it was a good run out for the players, new players making their debuts I’m sure this is the reason why the tournament is being held,” Sodje said on BRILA FM.
“The manager did really well to get lots of good players to make their debut, yes, we know the standout performer was Femi Azeez, a Millwall player playing in South-East London. I’m very sure he would be very glad to score two goals for his national team also I’m sure had his family watching him play.
Sodje Backs Azeez To Hold His Own In Super Eagles
“He’s definitely one for the future hopefully we will see more of him when it comes to the national team with the Osimhens and the Ademola coming in, the big boys, I’m sure he can hold himself.
“I know how a good player he is I played in the Championship before I know how tough the league is and for him to score goals at that level that’s prove for the national team he’s one we should definitely look at and bigger clubs would be looking at him at the moment and he should enjoy it. Good luck to Nigeria, we’ve definitely found a star for the future.”
By James Agberebi
5 Comments
So his mum is Spanish?
No wonder. You can see evidence of that Spanish DNA in his technical touches, lol.
The Spaniard Naija man.
He looks like Raphinha. The resemblance is almost uncanny. You would be forgiven if you thought he was a relative of the Brazilian star.
His game is also similar to Raphinha. Technically gifted, two footed, and not shy to shoot at goal.
Can he become a Ballon d’or contender like Raphinha? With hard work and development, why not?
He’s not there yet, but the potential is definitely there that he is going to be a very decent Super Eagle.
After all, as our pipo say, na for morning we dey know how the day go be.
THIS IS ONE OF THE REASON NFF SHOULD EMPLOY A STANDARD COACH (that can groom & bring out best quality out of players)FOR U-23 TEAM SO THAT MOST OF THIS PLAYERS WILL HAVE AN AVENUE TO BE TESTED & ACCESSED PROPERLY BEFORE PROMOTED TO MAIN SUPER EAGLE TEAM.
We need a coach like Chelle to shepherd the Super Falcons: one who can attract and retain the interest of credible dual nationality players for the record-winning Wafcon trailblazers.
Not just dual nationality players, but credibly technical exceptionally gifted indigenous players unlucky enough to be playing in backwater leagues.
I actually harbour an element of respect for Madugu Justin but he carries the aura of a Yes-Man to the whims and caprices of the NFF. Left to the NFF, they would rather recycle stale players who are past their sellby dates.
Aura of a yes man is to put it mildly.
I really just hope falcons have not regressed badly to miss out on next year’s world cup.
It has been my grudge seeing the steady decline.
I don’t blame Madugu sha. It’s the proponents of local coaches are good for falcons I so blame.
I hope they’ll be around when they eat the humble pie during the WAFCON.
Which is why the exit of this current NFF is the single biggest step we can take to our football El Dorado.
SInce they won’t do the honorable thing and resign, they need to be bundled out of office somehow, anyhow.
We have to rise up as one against this corrupt, incompetent bunch of nitwits.
Enough of the rubbish. Time for us to dominate African football once more. It starts with the exit of NFF Onigbese. Out with them already!