Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez has revealed that he was unaware he had broken a national team record during his debut for Nigeria until after the match.
Azeez made the disclosure in an interview with The PUNCH while reflecting on his impressive first international window, which saw him help Nigeria win the Unity Cup and register three goal contributions.
The Championship Team of the Season member said his focus was simply on helping the team succeed rather than chasing individual milestones.
He said: “I didn’t even know it was a record or that no one had done it in this millennium until after the game.
“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.”
Azeez described representing Nigeria as one of the proudest moments of his career and said he felt no pressure before making his debut.
He said: “I didn’t feel that, just a lot of honour to represent the country.
“I was relaxed and lucky enough to get those goals.”
The winger credited the team’s Unity Cup success to hard work and togetherness, insisting the players remained focused on winning throughout the tournament.
He said: “The manager said before the game that we needed to be aggressive and win every duel.
“We made up for our mistakes with hard work and running.
“We won the cup, but we know we have room for improvement.”
Azeez also disclosed that choosing Nigeria over England and Spain was an easy decision.
He said: “I’ve always had a good relationship with 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.’”
The 24-year-old praised Nigerian supporters for the reception he has received since breaking into the national team.
“Honestly, it was amazing. The fans on social media and the ones who came to the games were incredible. As players, we love that,” he said.
Azeez, who was named in the Championship Team of the Season, added that he remains determined to reach the Premier League.
“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,” he said.
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