Super Eagles concern as Femi Azeez injured in 2-0 Millwall win

Millwall defeated Bristol City 2-0 in the Championship, but Nigeria winger Femi Azeez was forced off after only 30 minutes with a hamstring problem. The early withdrawal has raised concern for the Super Eagles before their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Azeez started the match at Ashton Gate but was replaced by Kyrell Lisbie after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. The seriousness of the injury has not been established, leaving his availability for Nigeria’s next fixtures uncertain.

Millwall manager Alex Neil said the club would need to wait before assessing the problem properly. His initial view was that the issue might not be significant, although he acknowledged that the club had previously hoped similar concerns would prove minor before players later required treatment. Neil also described Azeez as an important figure for the team.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong 2025/26 season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 37 league appearances. Millwall finished third in the Championship and reached the promotion playoffs, while Azeez’s performances earned him a place in the division’s Team of the Season.

Those displays also led to his first senior Nigeria call-up. Under coach Éric Chelle, Azeez made his debut during the 2026 Unity Cup and scored twice against Zimbabwe. He later supplied an assist in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final as the Super Eagles retained the trophy.

Nigeria will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign next month during the September 21 to October 6 FIFA window. The Super Eagles are in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, and will open against Madagascar before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau.

Chelle is expected to finalise his squad for those two matches soon, making the timing of Azeez’s injury especially significant. There is no confirmation that the winger will miss the September fixtures, but the length of any absence will determine whether he can continue preparing for Nigeria’s qualification campaign or whether the coach must consider other attacking options.