Club blocks new Super Eagles sensation from national assignment

Millwall winger Femi Azeez, who set up Terem Moffi’s goal during the Unity Cup final, has been blocked from participating in Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal by his club. Azeez is currently navigating club transfer negotiations.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that six key players will miss the international friendlies.

The announcements follow Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica on Saturday night at The Valley, a win that secured the Super Eagles their fourth Unity Cup title.

Super Eagles talisman  Victor Osimhen headlines the list of absentees. The striker is currently involved in off-season transfer discussions following a title-winning season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.

“This period is off-season when a lot of things happen off the pitch, and we must respect certain decisions that are not in our hands,” Chelle stated.

Atletico Madrid forward  Ademola Lookman will also miss the upcoming fixtures due to personal reasons.

Chelle revealed further administrative and physical setbacks within the squad. Midfielders Alhassan Yusuf  and Tijani Samson have been ruled out after failing to secure entry visas for the match destinations, while Inter Milan loanee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is sidelined with an illness.

Despite losing a core group of regular starters, Chelle indicated he will use the fixtures against Poland and Portugal to test the squad’s depth.

“The upcoming matches are friendlies and I will approach every game with seriousness with the players available,” Chelle said.

The upcoming friendlies serve as preparation windows for the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.