Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed why he was left unimpressed with Femi Azeez’s overall display despite the winger’s match-winning performance in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup.
Azeez, one of the fresh faces invited to the Super Eagles squad for the four-nation tournament, was handed an immediate opportunity in Nigeria’s opening fixture against Zimbabwe and made an instant impact.
Femi Azeez celebrates for Super Eagles. Photocredit: Imago
The Millwall winger, who impressed throughout the recently concluded English Championship season, carried that momentum into the national team setup by scoring both goals to hand Nigeria a comfortable win.
The 24-year-old remained one of the standout performers on the night, playing 91 minutes before making way for Aderemi Adeoye in the closing moments.
His two-goal display quickly earned praise from fans and pundits, with many hailing him as Nigeria’s best player against the Warriors.
However, Chelle believes there was more to the performance than the goals.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle praises Femi Azeez for his debut brace against Zimbabwe but admits he was unhappy with the Millwall winger’s tactical display. Photo Credit: CAF
Speaking after the game, the Super Eagles boss admitted he was unhappy with aspects of Azeez’s tactical discipline and technical execution despite congratulating him on an impressive debut.
“You can ask Azeez directly. The first objective was for him to run today; this is what I asked of them,” Chelle said.
“The second instruction was to press high, but during the 90 minutes, they did not.
“So we have to analyze the performance, particularly Azeez’s. I know he scored two goals, so congratulations to him. But he lost possession far too often technically, so I’m not happy.
“He won the ball back at times, but other times he didn’t, so I’m not happy. But for his debut, I can say congratulations to him.”
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Chelle’s comments underline the demanding standards the Franco-Malian tactician is trying to instill in the Super Eagles, with tactical discipline seemingly carrying just as much importance as end product.
The coach also remained coy when asked whether Azeez had done enough to earn selection for Nigeria’s upcoming June friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
“If I want him for the games against Portugal and Poland, I’ll say yes. But if I don’t want him, I’ll say no,” Chelle added.
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Nigeria will now turn attention to the next stage of the Unity Cup, where the Super Eagles await the winner of the clash between India and Jamaica following their victory over Zimbabwe.
