Nigeria may have found a new attacking option after Femi Azeez announced himself on his Super Eagles debut, scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final in London.
From youth rejection to non-league football and eventually the English Championship, Azeez’s journey reflects persistence rather than early promise.
His debut goals for Nigeria have now added a new layer to a career still in its early peak years.
He came through Watford’s academy before being released at the age of 14, a setback that forced him to rebuild away from the spotlight. That experience shaped the early part of his career and pushed him into senior football at a young age.
He is now fully committed to Nigeria at the international level, having been eligible for England and Spain as well.
Sporting Tribune presents key things to know about Femi Azeez.
Background
Azeez was born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother and grew up in Northwood.
He joined Watford’s academy at a young age but was released at 14, forcing an early reset in his football journey.
Millwall forward in England
Azeez currently plays for Millwall in the English Championship, where he has grown into an important attacking option. Since joining in 2024, he has featured regularly and contributed goals, including a late equaliser against Sunderland that underlined his impact off the bench.
Before Millwall, he developed at Reading, where he made his breakthrough into senior football after progressing through the academy system.
His time there included both relegation battles and key performances that helped stabilise the team in League One.
Released by Watford as a teenager
Azeez was released from Watford’s youth system at the age of 14. That setback pushed him into non-league football, where he rebuilt his career step by step.
He went on to play for Northwood and Wealdstone, gaining early senior experience against older and more physical opposition. That period shaped his resilience and prepared him for a return to professional football.
Eligible for three national teams
Born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, Azeez was eligible for England, Spain and Nigeria.
He chose to represent Nigeria at the senior level in 2026, ending years of eligibility debate and committing his international future to the Super Eagles.
Versatility
Although primarily deployed as a winger, Azeez is capable of playing on either flank. He can also operate in central attacking roles behind the striker when required.
That flexibility makes him useful in different tactical setups, especially in transition-based systems that rely on movement and pace in wide areas.
Attacking style
Azeez’s game is built on acceleration, close control and direct runs at defenders. He prefers taking opponents on in one-on-one situations rather than slowing play.
Those traits were visible in his debut for Nigeria, where his movement and finishing stood out in a controlled performance. Coaches value him for his ability to stretch defences and create space in advanced areas.
