Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has hailed Femi Azeez as a bright prospect capable of enjoying a long career with the national team, provided the Millwall winger remains focused on improving his game. Chelle made the remarks after Azeez scored twice in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the Unity Cup in London.
Cautious Praise for Azeez
Speaking at The Valley Stadium, home of Charlton Athletic, Chelle was measured in his assessment of the 25-year-old attacker, who has attracted interest from several clubs following an impressive season in the English Championship. “He scored two goals, congratulations. But technically, he lost a lot of balls, so I’m not happy. He got many balls back, but sometimes he didn’t get the balls, so I’m not happy,” Chelle said.
Team Performance and Tactics
The coach outlined his primary objectives for the match: high running intensity and sustained pressing. “The first objective was that they were supposed to run a lot today. It was my first objective, and this is what I asked them. The second thing was to make high pressure, and during ninety minutes they did not,” he noted.
Chelle deployed two formations during the game—a 4-4-2 diamond and a 4-2-3-1—and was pleased with how quickly the squad adapted. “I was surprised because it seemed as though they had been playing together for six months or one year. The reality is that it was the first time,” he added.
Potential Inclusion for Friendlies
Despite his reservations, Chelle hinted that Azeez could be included in the main squad for upcoming international friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June. “If I wake up with a good state of mind, and I want him in the team for the Portugal and Poland games, I’ll say yes, but if I don’t want him, I will say no,” the coach stated.
Right-Wing Competition Heats Up
Azeez’s performance has sparked discussions about a potential battle for the right-wing spot with Samuel Chukwueze, who has been a regular in that position. Since Ahmed Musa’s retirement, no player has cemented the role, with Chukwueze and Nathan Tella among those who have featured there. At the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Chelle opted for a front three of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, supported by midfielders Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka. Azeez’s emergence offers Chelle additional tactical flexibility.
New Faces Impress
Apart from Azeez, several debutants caught the eye. Arthur Okonkwo, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, and Femi Azeez started the match, while Rafiu Durosinmi, Tosin Oyedokun, Owen Oseni, and Aderemi Adeoye came on as second-half substitutes. Chelle praised their integration: “This game was good. The players worked a lot during the two days, two training sessions of three hours each, so they worked a lot and deserved this victory.”
