Why Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna will miss Brighton vs Crystal Palace

Nigerian forwards Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna will miss Brighton & Hove Albion’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

This development comes after manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed that no sidelined player is expected to return for Sunday’s derby at the Amex Stadium.

The absence of the two Nigerian attackers will delay their attempts to establish themselves at the Premier League club, with Brighton unwilling to rush either player back before they are ready.

Azeez is yet to make his competitive debut for the Seagulls after arriving from Millwall on transfer deadline day in September. The 25-year-old has been dealing with fitness problems and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly during the international break as part of his rehabilitation.

Yohanna, meanwhile, has not featured for Brighton since coming off the bench in the home leg of their Conference League qualifying tie against Tromsø. The 18-year-old has been recovering from a knock, with the club taking a cautious approach to his return.

Hürzeler has stressed that the situation is not a major concern, explaining that both players need more time to adapt to Brighton’s physical demands and playing style.

The German coach wants to give them the right environment to settle into the team rather than expose them to the intensity of competitive football before they are fully prepared.

Brighton’s Nigerian imports Azeez & Yohanna

Brighton secured Femi Azeez from Millwall on a four-year contract after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in the Championship.

The former Reading man scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, to become the toast of many interested clubs before Brighton won the transfer race. His pace, crossing ability, finishing and work rate convinced the club to bring him to the Premier League.

Yohanna joined from Swedish club AIK Stockholm after signing a five-year contract in June 2026, running until 2031.

The Nigerian teenager caught attention with five goals and four assists in 18 appearances across league and cup competitions before moving to England.

Brighton viewed him as a promising young attacker with the pace and dribbling ability to develop into an important first-team player.

Both signings also offer encouragement for Nigeria’s national team. Azeez has already made his senior Super Eagles debut and scored twice against Zimbabwe in June 2026. Injury prevented Yohanna from honouring Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles call-up in the summer.

Both players would be keen to return to full fitness, become available for Hurzeler again, and gain key roles in Brighton’s push for domestic and continental titles.