Super Eagles' target Eric Chelle receives endorsement from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney

1 month ago 14

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Wayne Rooney has publicly backed Super Eagles‑eligible winger Femi Azeez after the Millwall player recorded the most productive season of his career in the English Championship, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The former Manchester United and England captain said the 24‑year‑old possesses the intelligence and attacking quality required to succeed in the Premier League.

Rooney’s remarks are expected to energise Éric Chelle and the Super Eagles coaching staff ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup.

Azeez emerged as one of the Championship’s most effective attacking players in the 2025/26 campaign. He finished the regular season with 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions, helping Millwall FC reach the promotion play‑offs.

His speed, direct running and ability to operate between defensive lines were central to Millwall’s attacking identity throughout the season. Importantly, his contributions arrived at decisive moments, with several goals scored in the final months as Millwall pushed for a return to the Premier League.

Azeez’s promotion hopes were dashed on Monday when Millwall lost 2‑0 to Hull City in the Championship play‑offs. The match also featured Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi, whose Hull side advanced at Millwall’s expense.

Despite the defeat, Azeez’s individual performances earned widespread recognition. The former Reading FC player was named in the Championship Team of the Season as one of the division’s most dangerous wide players.

His form has attracted Premier League interest, with Rooney openly identifying him as a player capable of stepping up to the top flight.

“I think Femi Azeez,” Rooney said while speaking on The Overlap via FLW about Championship players ready for the Premier League. “He’s a player I’ve watched, and I really like him.”

The former England striker then explained why Azeez’s football intelligence distinguishes him from many attacking players in the division.

“He’s an intelligent football player, and I think to go and play in the Premier League, you need that intelligence to be able to find space to take the ball and be a match‑winner.

“I think he’s one player who’s most suited to the Premier League.”

Leicester City v Millwall, Sky Bet Championship Femi Azeez Of Millwall during the Leicester City v Millwall EFL Sky Bet Championship match at King Power.

Azeez: Super Eagles’ Chelle watching closely ahead of Unity Cup

Rooney’s endorsement comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria because Azeez has recently committed his international future to the Super Eagles.

Born in England to a Nigerian father and a Spanish mother, the winger was eligible to represent three nations. After contact from the Nigeria Football Federation, he officially pledged allegiance to Nigeria.

Because Azeez has never represented England or Spain at youth or senior level, he does not require a FIFA nationality switch and is immediately available for selection.

This availability is significant for Chelle, who has indicated that the upcoming Unity Cup in London will be used to assess new diaspora talents, fringe players and uncapped options before Nigeria’s future competitive fixtures.

Azeez fits that recruitment plan perfectly. The winger combines explosive dribbling with intelligent movement, qualities Rooney specifically highlighted in his assessment.

Chelle is understood to admire Azeez’s direct style, with comparisons reportedly drawn between the Millwall attacker and Michael Olise because of his ability to attack defenders aggressively from wide areas.

Timing also works strongly in Azeez’s favour. The Unity Cup will take place from May 26 to May 30, 2026 at The Valley in South London, home of Charlton Athletic. With Millwall already eliminated from the play‑offs, the winger is fully available for international duty.

Playing in London could also ease his transition into international football. Familiar surroundings, reduced travel demands and strong Nigerian support expected at the tournament create an ideal environment for a potential Super Eagles debut.

After a season in which Azeez delivered goals, assists, individual awards and praise from one of English football’s biggest names, the Millwall winger now appears closer than ever to both the Premier League and the Super Eagles.