Meet Eagles’ dream debutant Azeez

Millwall forward Femi Azeez made an immediate impact on the Nigerian football scene, scoring two goals on his debut to lead the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup. The win secured Nigeria's place in the final of the tournament held in London.

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It was a mix of excitement, comfortability and expression. The manager gave us freedom, especially in the final third, to do what we want and express ourselves. That’s why we’re here at the end of the day.

Azeez, one of 12 debutants selected by coach Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup title defense, became the first Nigerian player this millennium to score a brace in their debut match. His first goal came within the opening five minutes, a low left-footed strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, assisted by Terem Moffi. He extended Nigeria's lead in the second half, finishing a swift counterattack also set up by Moffi.

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When Moffi passed the ball back to me, and I saw that, I was going for it. I didn’t even think twice. I just went for it.

Reflecting on his performance, the 24-year-old Azeez conveyed a mix of excitement and confidence. "It was a mix of excitement, comfortability and expression," Azeez told Nigeria Football Weekly. "The manager gave us freedom, especially in the final third, to do what we want and express ourselves." He added that he didn't hesitate when Moffi passed him the ball for his first goal.

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I’ve never really played in that position before, I’ll be honest. But over the last few days in training, I really enjoyed it. The management and technical staff helped me feel my way into the role.

Azeez also shared his thoughts on playing in a role similar to that of Ademola Lookman. "I've never really played in that position before, I'll be honest," he admitted. "But over the last few days in training, I really enjoyed it. The management and technical staff helped me feel my way into the role." He expressed his strong desire to represent Nigeria and play in front of the fans, describing the experience as incredible. Azeez's impressive performance mirrored his outstanding season with Millwall, where he recorded 11 goals and seven assists in 37 Championship games.

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Yeah, I enjoyed it a lot. I just want to represent this country, do as well as I can, and play in front of these fans. It’s incredible.