INSTANT HEROES: Azeez and other Super Eagles who scored on debut

For any Nigerian footballer, putting on the green and white jersey for the first time is a nerve-wrecking dream that can make or mar even the most talented player.

Most players hope just to avoid a mistake. But a select few refused to wait for their moment – they grabbed it instantly, cementing their name in the hearts of football loving Nigerians.

When a relatively unknown Millwall’s Femi Azeez stepped onto the pitch for his Super Eagles’ debut on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, he didn’t just blend into the team – he wrote the script scoring a brace in the Unity Cup tournament semi-final match against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in London, thereby joining an elite club of instant Nigerian heroes.

Historically, Azeez also became the first player in 55 years to score a brace on his debut for the Super Eagles.

In this piece, we highlight some prominent scorers on their Super Eagles debut

AKOR ADAMS

The Sevilla of Spain bullish striker scored a crucial goal just 18 minutes after coming off the bench against Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

JOE ARIBO

PAUL ONUACHU

Although he made a brief appearance off the bench against Seychelles a few days prior, Onuachu scored just 10 seconds into his full international debut against Egypt in March 2019, registering Nigeria’s fastest-ever international goal.

BRIAN IDOWU

He replaced Ola Aina as a half-time sub and found the back of the net in a memorable 4-2 friendly win against Argentina in Russia in 2017.

EKIGHO EHIOSUN

Then playing in the domestic league with Warri Wolves, the late replacement for Victor Anichebe scored as Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone 2-1 in a 2011 international friendly.

OBAFEMI MARTINS

The then 19-year old Inter Milan striker who had turned down several invitations to play for Nigeria marked his first cap with a goal against the Republic of Ireland in the 2004 Unity Cup tournament in London.

STEPHEN MAKINWA

Following his impressive club form in Italy with Nigerian fans had eagerly awaited his debut and he delivered. He netted on his international debut against South Africa in Nelson Mandela Challenge in 2004.

FEMI OPABUNMI

The ex-Golden Eaglets star who won the silver shoe at the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship scored the second goal in Nigeria’s comfortable 3-0 friendly win over Kenya in 2002.

JULIUS AGHAHOWA

A former Flying Eagles player, Aghahowa, famous for multiple summersaults each time he found the back of the net, scored against Morocco at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

FINIDI GEORGE

Marked his legendary introduction to the senior national team with a debut goal (alongside 3 assists) against Burkina Faso in November 1991.

MATHIAS OBIANIKA

The Enugu Rangers legend was the last player before Femi Azeez to score a debut brace, achieving it against Burkina Faso back in November 1971. His incredible performance remained a legendary benchmark in Nigerian football history for over five decades. He was also a vital part of the squad that won Nigeria’s historic gold medal at the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)