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Former England captain Wayne Rooney captain has backed Nigeria winger Femi Azeez to succeed in the Premier League after the best season of the Millwall attacker’s career in the Championship, Footynaija reports.
The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions as Millwall reached the Championship promotion play-offs. His pace, movement and ability to drive at defenders made him one of the division’s most dangerous attacking players, particularly during the closing months of the season when Millwall were chasing promotion.
Although Millwall’s campaign ended painfully with a 2-0 play-off defeat to Hull City on Monday, Azeez still emerged with his reputation significantly enhanced.
Wayne Rooney has tipped Nigerian born forward Femi Azeez for the Premier League!
— Bets Nigeria (Bets.ng) (@betsnigeria) May 13, 2026
Following Millwall’s play-off heartbreak, the Man Utd legend says Azeez is “the one player most suited” for the top flight.
👟 11 Goals, 8 Assists this season.#FemiAzeez #Millwall #WayneRooney pic.twitter.com/7IZug2Nfoy
The winger has already earned the Player of the Year award and been named in the Championship Team of the Season after a series of influential performances.
Rooney believes the former Reading player has the qualities needed to thrive at the highest level of English football.
“I think Femi Azeez,” Rooney said as per Football League World. “He’s a player I’ve watched, and I really like him.”
The former England striker then explained why he believes Azeez stands out 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.”
Rooney’s comments will also attract attention in Nigeria, where Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle is preparing for the 2026 Unity Cup in London. Azeez recently committed his international future to Nigeria despite being eligible to represent England and Spain through his family background.
Because he has never played for either England or Spain at youth or senior level, the winger is immediately available for Nigeria selection without requiring FIFA clearance.
That could hand Chelle another exciting attacking option ahead of the Unity Cup, which runs from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley in South London. With Millwall’s season now over, Azeez is fully available for international duty.
