Femi Azeez injury update: What Super Eagles and Brighton fans need to know

Femi Azeez will have to wait a little longer for his Brighton debut after arriving from Millwall with a slight injury, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigeria international completed his move to Brighton on transfer deadline day, signing a four-year contract after an impressive season in the Championship. However, the injury picked up during his time at Millwall has delayed his first appearance for his new club.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed before the Leeds game that Azeez, who will earn big at the club, was carrying a slight injury. That ruled him out of the September 5 Premier League match and left his first chance to play for the club looking more likely to come against Coventry City.

The latest reports point to September 13 as the possible return date. Brighton are due to visit Coventry at the Coventry Building Society Arena that day, giving Azeez a potential route into Premier League football just days after his arrival.

What is wrong with Femi Azeez?

The injury is not described as a serious problem. Reports have referred to it as a slight injury picked up while Azeez was still with Millwall. Other injury listings describe it as a muscle problem, with a mid-September return expected.

That means the immediate issue is getting the 25-year-old back to full fitness rather than dealing with a long-term absence. Brighton’s official update confirmed he was unavailable against Leeds, while current reports have placed his return around the Coventry fixture.

Azeez arrives at Brighton after a standout 2025-26 campaign with Millwall. He made 77 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists. His performances earned him places in both the PFA and EFL Championship teams of the season.

Azeez came through Watford’s youth system before playing non-league football with Northwood, Wealdstone and Hanwell Town. He joined Reading in 2019 and moved to Millwall in 2024.

Why the Coventry game matters

Coventry could provide Azeez with his first competitive appearance in Brighton colours. The winger could also find an opportunity because Brighton have injury problems in attack. Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma are among the players currently unavailable, while Evan Ferguson is also recovering from an ankle problem.

Azeez therefore does not have to wait for months to fight for a place. If he is fit for Coventry, he could quickly enter Hurzeler’s plans, although a place in the starting XI is not guaranteed.

The move is also important for Nigeria. Azeez made his Super Eagles debut in June and scored twice in a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe. He then provided an assist in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica.

A successful start at Brighton would give Azeez another chance to prove himself at a higher level and strengthen his case for more international opportunities. His first target, though, is simply to get fit and make his Brighton debut.