Playing for Nigeria a great honour – Azeez

Championship Team of the Season member and Eagles debut record-breaker Femi Azeez talks about his Unity Cup triumph, his Premier League ambitions, what representing Nigeria means to him and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

Let’s talk about your debut. How did breaking that record feel?

I didn’t even know it was a record or that no one had done it in this millennium until after the game. I didn’t know that, but it was exciting. I got the freedom from the coach to express myself, and I am happy I was able to get the goals. It’s a good feeling, and it’s an honour. I would say I felt proud more than anything.

Can you talk us through those goals?

I mean, I knew we were here to win the tournament and playing with (Terem) Moffi was very instinctive. Whenever he got the ball back to me, I just went for it and shot, and it went in. I didn’t think twice. I’ve never played in those roles before, but I really enjoyed playing with the lads and feel my way into the role, and the goals were just reward, I think.

And did you feel any pressure before your debut?

No, not at all. I didn’t feel that, just a lot of honour to represent the country. I was relaxed and lucky enough to get those goals.

How did it feel winning the Unity Cup, especially with the impact you had?

I am very happy we won the cup again, and we were all very happy. We played with unity, with freedom and expression, and I think we showed that we can get the job done. It’s really an honour for me to play for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles made the final look easy with the 3-0 win. What was the secret?

Unity and working hard. The manager said before the game that we needed to be aggressive and win every duel. I think we did that in that game. There were a few mistakes, but we made up for them with our hard work and our running, and you can see that we had a good game in that final. We won the cup, so we shouldn’t be too hard on our shortcomings for now, but we know we have room for improvement.

Your first window, three goal contributions. What did playing for Nigeria mean to you?

Honestly, it was amazing. The fans on social media, the ones who came to the games, every time we got the ball or we attacked, it was just deafening, and as players, we love that. I would say it is the absolute peak and amazing. It’s been good, we’ve had good games and meeting coach Eric Chelle as well, very good, a nice person and funny, a good manager.

Was it difficult to make the choice between Nigeria, Spain and England?

I’ve always had a good relationship with Nigeria, obviously with my Dad being from Nigeria, and I always said it would be an honour to play for the country, so when the manager called me, I said, ‘No brainer, I want to play for Nigeria’, and I really enjoyed my time with the team. Obviously, it’s an honour to play for this team to begin with.

You were named in the Championship Team of The Season and now play for Nigeria. Are you ready for the new fame?

Probably not, if I’m being honest, and I am maybe not prepared for the new reception, especially now with also making the Super Eagles teams. But that’s why we are here, I want to represent the country, and this was a great experience for me.

Speaking of making the Championship team, you’ve expressed interest in being in the EPL. What drives that for you?

As a footballer, you obviously want to play at the highest level you can play at, and obviously, I had a good season in the Championship, and obviously, to do it on the international stage as well was just that next step up and for me, whenever I achieve something, I am always hungry for more and not satisfied with what I have achieved. I am always going to work to that next level because I am an ambitious footballer and a person, and you know, the Premier League is the pinnacle of football. I would love to play in the Premier League, and I am working as hard as I can to get there.

You had a great season. How did that feel, and what was key to unlocking this level?

I loved it, I loved every bit of it, playing with amazing players and the amazing gaffers as well. I was able to play with every bit of confidence I needed, knowing that I could go and shine. At the end of the day, it’s enjoyable to be in a good team, it’s enjoyable to win games and be able to express myself. I guess coming in from the big jump last season, I had more confidence, and I was able to express myself more and show what I can do. The goal was promotion to the Premier League, but obviously, we didn’t get that; it was still a good season by some counts.

How important was this season for you, especially after early injury troubles?

It was incredible and good for me. Obviously, I had a couple of setbacks and injuries at the beginning of the season, but the boys and everyone have been really supportive of me, and they’ve let me shine and build my confidence. I think I really developed as a player and a person. It was a collective achievement for everybody, and personally, I was fortunate enough to get the goals and assists. I would have liked to play more matches, but I am content with what I have had at the moment.

Any message to the Nigerians who are very much in love with you now?

Thank you all for the support, and hopefully, I will keep making them happy so the support continues. The responsibility is a lot, but I am ready for it.