Profiling Ramon Azeez, Nigerian Footballer

Ramon Olamilekan Azeez (born December 12, 1992) is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a central midfielder. He was part of the Nigeria under-17 squad that came second at the 2009 FIFA World Cup.

Early Life

Ramon Azeez was born on the 12th of December, 1992, in Abuja, which is the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. He grew up in Abuja

Career

Professional Career

Azeez began his football career in the Future Pro Academy. He decided to join UD Almeria in Spain in 2010, but the transfer was not completed until July 2011.

Azeez made his first team debut on August 17, 2012, after spending the previous season with the Segunda División B reserves. He replaced Javier Casquero in the 55th minute of a Segunda División away game against FC Barcelona Atlètic, but was replaced after only ten minutes after receiving a booking and potentially risking a red card, according to the manager.

Azeez was promoted to the Andalusians’ starting lineup on June 28, 2013, the day after the club was officially promoted to La Liga. On August 30, he made his tournament debut, appearing in a 2-2 home tie against Elche CF for 23 minutes.

On December 21, 2013, Azeez scored his first professional goal, which was the game’s lone goal in a win over Real Betis.

On July 13, 2017, Azeez signed as a free agent with CD Lugo, a team in Spain’s second division. On February 1, 2019, he signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Granada CF of the same league.

Azeez scored a close-range goal off a cross from Antonio Puertas on September 21, 2019, to give his team a 2-0 home victory over FC Barcelona. In February 2021, he was loaned to FC Cartagena for the remainder of the second-tier season.

International Career

Azeez represented Nigeria in the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup and was a key member of the team that finished second. He was a starter in the U-20 World Cup two years later. On February 3, 2014, he was called up for a friendly match against Mexico. On March 5, he made his debut in the second half of a 0-0 tie at the Georgia Dome.

Azeez was named to the 30-man provisional squad ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which begins on May 6. He was added to Stephen Keshi’s final competition list, and he made his tournament debut on June 16 in a scoreless draw with Iran.

Azeez was reinstated to the national squad in September 2019 after a five-year absence.