Nigeria have been handed an early fitness concern ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Femi Azeez was forced off injured during Millwall’s Championship victory over Bristol City.
The two-cap Nigeria international started Millwall’s 2-0 win at Ashton Gate on Saturday but was unable to complete the first half after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring.
Azeez was substituted after 30 minutes, with Kyrell Lisbie coming on in his place. The nature and seriousness of the injury are not yet known, leaving Nigeria and Millwall waiting for further information on the winger’s condition.
Millwall manager Alex Neil said after the match that Azeez had reported feeling something in his hamstring but stopped short of predicting how long the player might be unavailable.
“He just says he felt something in his hamstring,” Neil told NewsAtDen in quotes revealed by Southwark News.
The Millwall manager said the club were hopeful the problem would not prove serious, although he acknowledged that the club had already seen several players suffer injury problems.
“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.”
Neil’s description of Azeez as a “talisman” highlights the importance the winger has assumed at Millwall, particularly following his breakthrough campaign in the previous season.
The injury comes at an inconvenient time for the Nigerian, who has already attracted interest from Hull City and has set his sights on securing a move to the Premier League.
Azeez enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season, scoring 11 goals and supplying seven assists in 37 Championship appearances for Millwall.
His contribution helped the club finish third in the Championship and reach the promotion playoffs. His performances were also recognised with selection in the Championship Team of the Season.
That form led to Azeez receiving his first senior international call-up for Nigeria, and the winger quickly demonstrated why he had attracted the attention of the Super Eagles.
He made his Nigeria debut under coach Éric Chelle during the 2026 Unity Cup in May. Rather than needing time to settle into international football, Azeez immediately made an impact by scoring twice against Zimbabwe.
The Millwall player subsequently contributed again in the competition’s final, providing an assist during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica.
Nigeria retained the Unity Cup, with Azeez playing an important part in their successful campaign.
His emergence therefore gives the Super Eagles another attacking option as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. However, the hamstring problem now leaves his immediate availability uncertain.
For Millwall, the priority will be determining whether Azeez has suffered a significant injury or whether he can return quickly. Neil’s comments suggest the club will need to assess the player further before reaching a conclusion.
Azeez’s early departure against Bristol City means his latest campaign has begun with an unwanted setback, although the full extent of the problem remains unclear.
The winger’s importance to Millwall is evident from both his contribution last season and Neil’s description of him as a talisman. His 11 goals and seven assists helped drive the club’s push towards promotion, while his international breakthrough followed soon afterwards.
Nigeria will therefore be hoping that Azeez’s latest injury proves minor and that the winger can return to action without a lengthy absence.
For a player whose career has gained significant momentum over the past year, the timing of the injury is particularly notable. Azeez has established himself as an important figure for Millwall, earned international recognition and attracted Premier League interest.
The next assessment of his hamstring will determine whether the latest setback is only a temporary interruption or something that could affect his involvement with both club and country.
