Former Sam Sodje has described Femi Azeez as a future star for the Nigeria national football team following the winger’s impressive debut against Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Azeez, who was born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, enjoyed a memorable first appearance for the Super Eagles after scoring both goals in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over the Zimbabwe national football team on Tuesday night.
The win secured Nigeria’s place in Saturday’s Unity Cup final, where they will face either Jamaica national football team or India national football team.
Several other players also made their senior debuts during the encounter, including Arthur Okonkwo, Rafiu Durosinmi, Owen Oseni, Aderemi Adeoye, Obinna Igbokwe, and Chibueze Oputa.
Reacting to the performance, Sodje praised head coach Éric Chelle for using the tournament to test new players and expand the national team pool.
“They all played well. It was a good run-out for the players, especially the new players making their debuts,” Sodje said during an interview with BRILA FM.
“The manager did really well to give a lot of good players the opportunity to make their debuts.”
Sodje singled out Azeez for special praise, describing the Millwall F.C. winger as a player capable of becoming an important figure for the Super Eagles in the future.
“He’s definitely one for the future. Hopefully, we will see more of him when the big boys like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman return,” he added.
“I know how good a player he is. I played in the Championship before, and I know how difficult the league is. For him to score goals at that level and now for the national team shows his quality.”
Sodje also suggested Azeez’s performance could attract interest from bigger clubs as his profile continues to rise following his standout display in London.