Femi Azeez Responds to Odemwingie Talk as Aston Villa Watch Grows

Sports

Millwall wide man Femi Azeez has addressed the growing chatter among Nigerian supporters that he looks and plays like former Stoke City attacker Osaze Odemwingie.

From fresh call-up to growing Odemwingie comparisons

  1. Azeez, 24, earned his first invitation to the Nigeria men’s national team last month as preparations began for the 2026 Unity Cup.
  2. He was named in the starting lineup for Nigeria’s semi-final against Zimbabwe.
  3. In the match versus the Warriors, the Millwall winger scored twice, helping Chelle’s team secure a 2-0 victory.
  4. Following that performance, fan reaction intensified, with many supporters expressing a desire to see Azeez feature more regularly in Super Eagles colours.
  5. Azeez was also named in the 2025/2026 EFL Championship Team of the Year, adding to his rising profile in English football.
  6. His appearance and style on the pitch have since led to comparisons with Odemwingie.

While Azeez acknowledged the admiration behind the comparisons, he stressed that he understands what the former forward represents to Nigerians and wants to build his own legacy rather than simply mirror someone else’s story.

“I’m hearing it every day now, but I’ve got to stay humble and create a name for myself,” the ex-Reading winger said in an interview with Flashscore.

He added: “I was really happy when I got the call from the manager. I was honoured and very proud.”

Azeez also outlined his ambitions within the national team setup, saying: “Of course, I’d love to play with them [Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen].”

He concluded by pointing to the quality of Nigeria’s top names: “They’re among the best players in Africa, so naturally I want to learn from them and improve my game.”

Zibuyile Dladla
Zibuyile Dladla
Senior Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
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