Femi Azeez: 3 reasons Nigerian star could outshine Mitoma & Minteh at Brighton

Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez could make his debut for Brighton & Hove Albion immediately after the September international break, Afrik-Foot reports.

Azeez completed a move worth just over £15 million to the Premier League side on summer transfer deadline day after leaving Championship club Millwall.

He enjoyed a very impressive 2025-26 campaign with the Lions, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists to help them reach the Championship play-off semi-finals before they were eliminated by Hull City. His impressive campaign also earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

However, since joining Brighton, Azeez has yet to make his debut as he continues to recover from a hamstring tear that has kept him out of action since the opening day of the Championship season, when he came off during Millwall’s 2-0 win over Bristol City.

The injury also saw him miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, denying him the chance to add to the two caps he earned during the 2026 Unity Cup tournament in May.

While Azeez is now closing in on his Brighton debut, he faces competition for a place on the flanks from Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh.

Why Femi Azeez could outshine Mitoma and Minteh at Brighton

On paper, Mitoma and Minteh could have the advantage because of their Premier League experience, but Azeez also possesses qualities that could make him a strong option for Brighton.

One of Azeez’s biggest advantages is his proven goalscoring record. The Nigerian forward enjoyed an excellent campaign last season, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists in the Championship. Those numbers showed that he can make a direct contribution in the final third rather than simply providing width for his team.

While Mitoma and Minteh have played against stronger opposition in the Premier League, Azeez’s numbers from last season show that he can consistently produce goals and assists when given responsibility.

Another quality that could work in Azeez’s favour is his versatility. While Mitoma and Minteh are primarily used as wingers, Azeez can operate on either flank and also play in a more central attacking role.

That gives Brighton another tactical option and could allow manager Fabian Hürzeler to use him in different positions depending on the opposition and the situation of the game.

His ability to switch positions could also become very useful during the course of the season, with Brighton competing in domestic football and also in Europe.

If Brighton need to change their attacking shape during a match, Azeez’s versatility could give Hürzeler the flexibility to alter his tactics without necessarily making several substitutions.

Azeez’s style of play is another quality that could help him make an impact at Brighton. The Nigerian winger is comfortable taking on defenders, delivering crosses and combining with teammates in the final third. 

His direct approach can also give the team another way of breaking down opponents, especially when games become difficult and Brighton need someone capable of creating something from the flank.

Azeez’s crossing ability could also fit well into a Brighton side that likes to build attacks and create opportunities from different areas of the pitch.

When can Azeez make his Brighton debut?

Femi Azeez is still recovering from his hamstring injury but is now closing in on a return to full fitness.

While a starting place could come too soon for his first appearance, he could potentially make his debut from the bench in Brighton’s first game after the international break.

Brighton have also enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning three, drawing one and losing just one of their opening five Premier League games. That run has left them third in the table, five points behind Manchester City in top spot, while the club will also have European football to look forward to.

They also produced an impressive result in their last game, thrashing reigning champions Arsenal 3-0. 

With Brighton already in good form, Azeez is expected to join the squad after the international break and show what he can offer at Premier League level.