Millwall Bars Azeez from Super Eagles Duty Ahead of Portugal Friendly

Millwall has refused to release Al-Hamzi Azeez for Nigeria's international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, a decision that leaves the Super Eagles short of options ahead of two high-profile fixtures in March.

Club Refuses to Release Azeez

The Championship club announced on Friday that it would not grant Azeez permission to join the Nigeria national team. Millwall cited ongoing concerns over player welfare and the demands of the international schedule. The London-based club released a short statement confirming the decision but offered no further detail on what specific issues drove the call.

Azeez, who joined Millwall on loan from parent club Udinese, has been a regular starter at The Den this season. His absence from the squad leaves Nigeria without a player who has featured in six of the Super Eagles' last eight competitive matches.

Super Eagles Squad Hit by Millwall Decision

Nigeria's national team coach had named Azeez in a 23-man squad for the March fixtures. The matches represent two of the Super Eagles' final internationals before the 2026 World Cup qualification window resumes in June. With the squad already dealing with injury concerns to at least two other midfielders, the timing of Millwall's refusal complicates preparations significantly.

The Nigeria Football Federation has not yet issued a public response to the club's decision. The federation typically handles such disputes through private channels before any public comment. Supporters on social media have already expressed frustration, with hashtags calling for intervention trending in Lagos and Abuja.

Upcoming Fixtures Against Poland and Portugal

The Super Eagles were scheduled to face Poland on March 20 in Warsaw before travelling to Lisbon for a match against Portugal four days later. Both games were announced as part of Nigeria's preparation strategy for the World Cup campaign. Portugal, currently ranked seventh in the world, represents a particularly demanding test for the African side.

Nigeria sits third in its World Cup qualification group and needs positive results in the upcoming window to keep its campaign on track. The friendly programme was designed to expose players to high-level opposition ahead of those critical qualifiers.

Club-Country Tensions in Football

The dispute echoes a long-standing tension in professional football between clubs and national teams over player release. European clubs have increasingly pushed back against releasing players for matches in regions with extended travel requirements or health concerns. The rules around international release vary depending on the FIFA regulations in place at the time of the call-up.

Millwall's decision places Azeez in a difficult position. While he reportedly wants to join the national team, his club holds the contractual authority to refuse release for friendly matches outside official FIFA windows. This leaves the player with limited options to contest the decision.

What This Means for Nigeria's Squad Depth

Azeez's absence creates a gap in Nigeria's midfield options just weeks before two significant matches. The coaching staff must now decide whether to call up a replacement or adjust tactical plans to account for the missing player. Local media outlets have suggested at least two players from the domestic league could be considered as emergency additions to the squad.

The timing also affects team chemistry. International friendlies serve as opportunities to test combinations and build understanding between players. Losing a key figure from those sessions disrupts the preparation process in ways that may not be fully resolved before the matches begin.

Fan Reaction and Expectations

Nigerian supporters have responded with a mix of anger and resignation to the news. Many fans view the Millwall decision as another example of European clubs prioritising their own interests over the development of African football. Online discussions have also raised questions about whether Nigeria's football authorities should do more to protect player call-ups.

Supporters groups in Lagos and Port Harcourt have called on the NFF to formally protest the decision through FIFA channels. Whether the federation chooses to pursue that route remains to be seen. Past cases involving similar disputes have produced mixed results, with FIFA rarely intervening in club decisions for friendly matches.

What Happens Next

Millwall returns to Championship action this weekend with Azeez available for selection. The club faces a crucial run of fixtures as it pushes for a playoff position in the second-tier English league. For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to naming a replacement and adjusting plans for the Poland and Portugal matches.

The NFF has until early next week to finalise squad changes ahead of the March 20 fixture in Warsaw. Whether Azeez rejoins the group for future international windows will depend on negotiations between the federation, Millwall, and Udinese. For now, fans in Nigeria will be watching closely to see how the squad responds to this setback.