Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh and Millwall winger Femi Azeez have both agreed to commit their international futures to Nigeria, handing head coach Eric Chelle two fresh options ahead of the summer friendlies.
The news was confirmed on Sunday by OwnGoalNigeria detailing the successful approaches made by the Nigeria Football Federation to both players.
Ozoh, 20, is a product of the Crystal Palace academy and is currently on loan at Derby County in the Championship. He was born in Valencia, Spain but grew up in England and has previously represented the Three Lions at Under-18 level.
That youth cap means he must file a one-time switch with FIFA before he can feature for Nigeria. A similar process was completed earlier this month by Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who received FIFA clearance on April 3 to switch his international allegiance from England to the Super Eagles. Ozoh’s application is understood to have been submitted and is being processed.
Femi Azeez faces no such hurdles. The 24-year-old Millwall winger was born in England to a Nigerian father and a Spanish mother but has never played for England at any official level. That makes him immediately eligible for selection. Azeez has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season, registering nine goals and eight assists in 34 league appearances. His form earned him a place in the official Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season named by the EFL on April 4.
According to Footmercato, the NFF made contact with Azeez through his intermediaries and he wasted no time in accepting the invitation.
Both players join a growing list of foreign-born talents who have opted to represent Nigeria under Chelle’s watch. The Malian tactician made his intentions clear during a recent press conference, stating he would “comb Europe” for eligible players. That directive has already seen the NFF contact Newcastle striker William Osula, while goalkeeper Okonkwo has completed his switch and former Chelsea youth prospect Lesley Ugochukwu is also said to be under consideration.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a heartbreaking play-off defeat to DR Congo, and the federation has turned its full attention to building a squad capable of winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Unity Cup in London next month is expected to serve as the first opportunity for many of these new recruits to integrate with the squad.
The Super Eagles are also scheduled to face Poland in Warsaw on June 3 and Portugal in Lisbon on June 10. Azeez, free from FIFA clearance requirements, could feature in those matches. Ozoh’s availability will depend on when his switch receives final approval.
