Femi Azeez’s Brighton debut could come vs Man United: 5 things Nigerians should watch

Femi Azeez’s Brighton debut could come at one of English football’s most famous stadiums, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigeria international is in contention for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round trip to Manchester United, but his availability depends on a late fitness decision after a hamstring problem delayed his start at Brighton.

Here are five things Nigerians should watch.

The Old Trafford fixture

Manchester United host Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, with kick-off at 8pm BST, or 7pm Nigerian time. Brighton confirmed the fixture as a third-round Carabao Cup tie, with the winner advancing to the fourth-round draw immediately after the match.

The game offers Azeez a huge stage if he is cleared to play. Brighton also arrive in good spirits after beating Coventry City 5-0 on Sunday.

Can his hamstring hold up?

Azeez joined Brighton from Millwall on deadline day while carrying a minor muscle problem. He missed the September 5 Premier League meeting with Leeds and was still being assessed before Sunday’s trip to Coventry.

Fabian Hurzeler said Azeez could train with the squad and hoped he would be available. The winger was subsequently left out against Coventry, making Wednesday’s fitness check even more important.

Where will Hurzeler use him?

Azeez is primarily a winger, giving Brighton another option in wide areas while Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh deal with injuries.

His ability to play wide and attack defenders could make him useful if Hurzeler rotates his team for a cup match. A starting place, however, would be a surprise after missing Brighton’s first few fixtures.

How many minutes will he get?

A short appearance could be the most realistic target. Azeez has not played for Brighton since arriving from Millwall, so Hurzeler has little reason to rush him into a full 90 minutes.

Even 20 to 30 minutes would give the Nigerian a chance to regain match sharpness and show what he can offer in Brighton’s attack.

How does he handle Old Trafford?

Azeez has played in English football before, but facing Manchester United at Old Trafford would bring a different level of pressure.

Brighton have won four of their last five visits to Old Trafford. Azeez now has the chance to experience that stadium himself.

A composed cameo could be the first step in turning his delayed Brighton start into a memorable debut.