In a dramatic twist blending international duty with high-stakes transfer politics, Millwall forward Femi Azeez has been officially ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming high-profile pre-World Cup friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
The Championship club has blocked the 24-year-old winger’s release, prioritizing his safety and valuation as a massive £30 million Premier League bidding war intensifies around him.
Azeez’s stock has skyrocketed following an explosive breakout performance at the Unity Cup in London, where he netted two goals and provided an assist in just two matches. While Millwall recently knocked back a £20 million bid from newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town, club executives are holding out for a figure closer to £30 million.
With heavyweights Aston Villa and Crystal Palace circling, sources suggest there is an 80% probability of Azeez securing a top-flight move this summer. Even England legend Wayne Rooney has publicly tipped the dynamic winger to make the leap. Fearing an untimely injury could jeopardize a blockbuster summer sale, Millwall capitalized on a squad loophole to keep their star man grounded.
Azeez was not part of Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle’s original 24-man roster. However, following his stunning debut against Zimbabwe, public clamor positioned him as the ideal reinforcement to cover for absent talisman Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
When AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze withdrew from the squad on May 30, Azeez was named as the official replacement. But because he wasn’t on the provisional list, Millwall held the legal ground to deny his late release.
Manager’s Take: Despite Azeez’s soaring popularity, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle maintained a grounded perspective after the Unity Cup. “Technically, he lost a lot of balls, so I’m not happy,” Chelle admitted, noting he had initial reservations about the winger’s technical discipline before the squad hierarchy was reshuffled.
Azeez’s forced omission compounds a growing selection crisis for Nigeria as they prepare for Europe. The Super Eagles will now face Poland and Portugal significantly short on firepower and depth.
| Player | Reason for Absence |
| Femi Azeez | Club release blocked due to transfer negotiations |
| Victor Osimhen | Post-season fatigue / Transfer considerations |
| Ademola Lookman | Post-season fatigue / Transfer considerations |
| Alhassan Yusuf | Entry visa complications |
| Tijani Samson | Entry visa complications |
While the Super Eagles fly out to Europe stripped of their breakout Unity Cup star, Azeez returns to Millwall training. All eyes now remain on the London club to see which Premier League suitor will blink first and trigger the £30 million release.
