Femi Azeez opens up after stunning two-goal Super Eagles debut

The 24-year-old scored twice on his senior international debut as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 at The Valley on Tuesday night. His brace not only secured victory for Eric Chelle's side but also made him the first Nigerian player this century to score two goals on his Super Eagles debut.

What made the achievement even more remarkable was that Azeez was operating in a role he had never played before.

The Millwall forward was deployed just behind the front two, a position usually associated with reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.

Despite his lack of experience in the role, Azeez looked completely at home and was one of Nigeria's standout performers throughout the contest.

"I've never played that position before, to be honest. But I've had a few days of training there and I've really enjoyed it," Azeez was quoted by All Nigeria Soccer.

"The management and coaching staff helped me feel my way into the role. As soon as I touched the ball, I was aware of my surroundings and I was able to show what I could do. I enjoyed it a lot."

Azeez settled into the game almost immediately, opening the scoring within five minutes after latching onto a pass from Terem Moffi before calmly finding the back of the net.

Reflecting on the goal and his overall display, the forward praised Chelle for allowing the team's attacking players the freedom to express themselves in the final third.

"It was the excitement, comfort and expression. The coach gave us the freedom in the final third to do what we want and express ourselves. That's why we're here.

"When the ball went to Moffi and he passed it back to me, I saw the opening and went for it. I didn't think twice."

Azeez arrived in the national team camp on the back of an impressive season with Millwall, where he earned a place in the Championship Team of the Season despite the club narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

His instant success with Nigeria has generated excitement among supporters, although the forward admitted he is still adjusting to the attention that comes with representing one of Africa's biggest football nations.

"Probably not. I'm not prepared for it, to be honest. I've probably got loads of notifications on my phone. I'll just have to sift through them, but I guess that's why we're here. I want to represent this country and do as well as I can. Playing in front of these fans is incredible."

Azeez will have another opportunity to impress when Nigeria face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final in London on Saturday, while Chelle will also be assessing whether the debutant has done enough to earn a place in the squad for next week's international friendly against Poland.