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Femi Azeez set for Nigeria debut after Brighton move
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has selected Femi Azeez among the players expected to represent the Super Eagles in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers in September, with the Brighton winger in line to make his competitive debut for the national team.
Nigeria will start their qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on 23 September before travelling to face Madagascar again four days later.
Chelle is targeting a fast start and has called up what he considers Nigeria’s strongest available group as the team begin their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON.
Azeez, 25, is included after completing a move to Premier League club Brighton from Championship side Millwall. The transfer was agreed for an initial fee of £12.5m, while the overall value of the deal could rise to about £15m if all the relevant add-ons are achieved.
The winger made his Nigeria debut during the Unity Cup tournament in the summer and played an important part in the team’s success. He scored two goals and supplied one assist as Nigeria won the title.
His involvement in the September fixtures would give him the opportunity to play a competitive match for the Super Eagles for the first time since that tournament. Azeez is therefore set to be part of Chelle’s plans as Nigeria begin their qualification campaign with two games against Madagascar in the space of four days.
The opening match is scheduled to take place in Uyo, with Nigeria holding home advantage before the second fixture away from home. Chelle is keen for his side to secure maximum points from both matches and has responded by selecting a squad that includes several of the country’s leading players.
Azeez’s inclusion comes shortly after his move into the English Premier League, following his spell with Millwall in the Championship. His performances for Nigeria in the Unity Cup helped establish him at international level, while his transfer to Brighton represents the next stage of his club career.
The September qualifiers will be Nigeria’s first matches on the road to the 2027 AFCON. Chelle’s side will begin that journey with the two fixtures against Madagascar, with the coach seeking an immediate return of six points.
The squad announcement also confirms that Azeez remains part of the senior national team’s plans after making his first appearance for Nigeria in the summer. His competitive debut could now come in the opening round of qualification, subject to his selection for either of the two matches.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will provide the first competitive test of Chelle’s preparations, while Azeez’s possible involvement will bring added interest following his move from Millwall to Brighton.
