Femi Azeez has been called up by the Super Eagles of Nigeria squad as a replacement for Samuel Chukwueze ahead of upcoming international friendly matches
Chukwueze has been granted permission to miss both fixtures due to personal reasons. The decision comes shortly after the 27-year-old winger laid his late mother to rest in Abia State, in south-east Nigeria, earlier this week.
The adjustment means Azeez joins the squad at a key moment in Nigeria’s preparations for a series of international assignments under head coach Éric Chelle.
Azeez recently made a strong impression on his first appearance for the Super Eagles, where he scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe’s national team, the Warriors. His performance in that match is understood to have strengthened his case for continued involvement at international level.
Nigeria are currently in action in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica’s national team, the Reggae Boyz, with the match scheduled for Saturday night. Kick-off is set for 7:30pm Nigeria time. The fixture forms part of the team’s broader schedule as they balance competitive action with preparation for upcoming friendlies.
Following the Unity Cup final, Nigeria will travel to Warsaw, where they are scheduled to face Poland in a friendly match next Wednesday. The game will provide another opportunity for Chelle’s side to test themselves against European opposition.
The West African side’s international programme continues shortly afterwards with a further friendly against Portugal, which will take place in Leiria on Wednesday, 10 June. The two fixtures are expected to offer a stern test for the three-time African champions as they continue to fine-tune their squad.
The changes in personnel come as Nigeria manage both squad depth and player availability across a busy international window. Chukwueze’s absence opens the door for Azeez, who now has the chance to build on his promising start at international level.
With matches against Poland and Portugal approaching, Nigeria will be looking to maintain momentum while also integrating new and returning players into the squad structure ahead of future competitive fixtures.
