The Impact of Femi Azeez's Breakthrough on Samuel Chukwueze and Nathan Tella

Millwall winger Femi Azeez stole the spotlight after netting a brace against Zimbabwe in Nigeria's opening match of the 2026 Unity Cup at London’s Valley Stadium.

Marking his first appearance for the Super Eagles, the 24-year-old enjoyed a dream debut, with his goals guiding Eric Chelle’s men into consecutive Unity Cup finals.

For established international figures such as Samuel Chukwueze and Nathan Tella, Azeez’s sudden emergence into the national team setup could carry far greater weight than initially anticipated.

Although a solitary display cannot instantly upend the squad hierarchy, it certainly gives manager Eric Chelle plenty of food for thought ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualification fixtures.

Azeez’s Standout Display Against Zimbabwe

During the match against Zimbabwe, Azeez injected a sense of unpredictability that Nigeria's frontline has occasionally lacked of late.

The former Reading wide man was the driving force behind almost every positive move for Chelle’s team at Charlton Athletic's ground. His eagerness to take on defenders and exploit dangerous spaces provided the Super Eagles with a vital attacking alternative to their customary central passing routines.

Interestingly, Azeez operated in a central role—a position he rarely occupies for his club—yet he seamlessly adapted to Chelle’s tactical blueprint.

This versatility is particularly crucial given the recent criticisms aimed at the inconsistency of Nigeria's traditional wide options. Whilst Chukwueze remains among the country's most naturally gifted dribblers, his decision-making and final product have historically varied for both club and country.

Equally, Tella has struggled to cement himself as an undisputed starter in the international side, despite the tactical discipline he displays under pressure at Bayer Leverkusen. His progress has also been somewhat hindered by recurring fitness issues.

Heat Turning Up on Chukwueze

For Samuel Chukwueze, a regular berth in the national XI is no longer a certainty. Though his technical ability is undeniable, his top-tier performances have come in fits and starts.

The Fulham forward has enjoyed standout moments for club and country—including a double against Manchester City and creative sparks against Uganda and Benin Republic—but none of these displays have rendered him indispensable to either starting lineup.

Azeez’s stellar debut gave supporters exactly what they have been desperate to see more consistently from Chukwueze.

The Super Eagles now boast an abundance of wide talent vying for the same positions. With Ademola Lookman firmly established as an automatic selection, the battle for the remaining forward slots is growing increasingly fierce.

With the likes of Zadok Yohanna, Philip Otele, and Nathan Tella waiting in the wings for their opportunity to impress, Chelle may look to utilise squad rotation rather than relying purely on reputation, should Azeez sustain this form into next season.

Ultimately, this is exactly the type of selection dilemma Nigeria have craved for years. Instead of leaning heavily on one or two star individuals, the Super Eagles are steadily constructing genuine squad depth.

Healthy competition inevitably drives up standards and eliminates complacency, meaning Azeez’s arrival could prompt established players to raise their game.

Nevertheless, a regular spot in the squad remains far from guaranteed for the EFL Championship Team of the Year member. Before the Zimbabwe clash, Eric Chelle made it clear that newcomers face an uphill battle to displace senior figures.

Speaking to Colin Udoh, the 48-year-old manager remarked: "Breaking into the national team is immensely difficult. If you want to play upfront, you have to compete with Victor Osimhen, the best striker in the world. New players are welcome, but they must give absolutely everything. The intensity, aggression, and hunger must be there. If they possess that desire, I am more than happy to give them a chance."

Following his impressive showing against Zimbabwe, Femi Azeez has firmly put his name in the hat. If he can offer a more dependable end product than Chukwueze, the 24-year-old may well become a mainstay for the Super Eagles in the near future.