Super Eagles suffer big blow as highly-rated winger picks up injury

The Super Eagles have been handed an early injury concern ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Femi Azeez was forced off during Millwall's Championship victory over Bristol City, Soccernet.ng reports

Azeez started Saturday's 2-0 win at Ashton Gate Stadium but lasted only 30 minutes before being replaced by Kyrell Lisbie after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.

The injury could further compound things for the two-cap Nigerian international, who has already set his mind on a move to the Premier League amid interest from Hull City.

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Millwall boss addresses Femi Azeez injury

The extent of the injury remains unclear, with Millwall manager Alex Neil admitting after the game that the club will have to wait before determining the severity of the problem.

“He just says he felt something in his hamstring,” Neil told NewsAtDen in quotes revealed by Southwark News.

“We’re hoping that it’s not going to be anything significant. I don’t think it is at this stage from speaking to him.

“But I could’ve said that about another four players that are probably sitting at the treatment table now.

“I don’t want to say too much about it. We hope Femi’s fine. He’s been a talisman for us.”

That description of Azeez as a “talisman” underlines why his early withdrawal could be a concern for both Millwall and Nigeria.

Big blow for Super Eagles

The former Reading winger enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, registering 11 goals and seven assists in 37 league appearances as Millwall finished third in the Championship and reached the promotion playoffs.

His performances earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season and subsequently a first senior Nigeria call-up. Azeez then made an immediate impression with the Super Eagles.

Handed his debut by Éric Chelle in the 2026 Unity Cup in May, the Millwall winger scored twice against Zimbabwe to announce himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion. He later provided an assist in Nigeria's 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final as the Super Eagles retained the trophy.

That fast start has made Azeez an intriguing option for Chelle's attack, particularly with the coach looking to develop greater depth in the Super Eagles' attack.

His latest injury, therefore, comes at an unfortunate time. Nigeria will begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON next month, with the first two games scheduled within the September 21 to October 6 FIFA window.

The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Nigeria's opening fixture is against Madagascar before an away meeting with Guinea-Bissau, meaning Chelle will soon have to finalise his squad for two competitive matches that will set the tone for the qualification campaign.

For Azeez, the priority is to establish the seriousness of the hamstring problem, and to determine how soon he'll be able to return to action.

There is no indication yet that the injury will rule him out of Nigeria's September fixtures, and Neil's initial assessment offers some encouragement, but with the AFCON qualifiers only weeks away, even a relatively short spell on the sidelines could disrupt Azeez's preparations and leave Chelle monitoring other options.