Super Eagles: 2 players Femi Azeez’s return could put under pressure

Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez is getting closer to making his debut for Premier League side Brighton after his move to the club on summer transfer deadline day. 

The Nigerian winger has yet to make his debut for the Seagulls since joining the club from Millwall in the summer. However, he has now returned to grass training as he continues his recovery, with the club hoping he can build up his fitness and return to action in the coming days.

Azeez arrived at Brighton in a deal worth just over £15 million after an excellent 2025/26 campaign with Millwall.

The 25-year-old was one of the Championship’s standout players last season, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists as Millwall reached the play-offs. His performances also earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. 

Azeez also made a strong start to his Nigeria career before the move, scoring twice against Zimbabwe on his Super Eagles debut before providing an assist in the 3-0 win over Jamaica in the Unity Cup. 

With his return getting closer, his arrival could create more competition for places in Brighton’s attack.

Femi Azeez: Two players who could feel the pressure of Super Eagles star’s return

1. Yankuba Minteh

Yankuba Minteh is one player who could face stronger competition once Azeez is fully fit. The Gambian winger has already established himself as an important attacking option for Brighton, but his absence through injury has opened the door for other players to compete for minutes.

Minteh has been out with a calf injury and has missed a number of games. Azeez’s return could therefore give Hurzeler another option on the right side of his attack.

His form for Millwall last season also showed that he can contribute goals and assists and could make the competition between the two players quite interesting.

Minteh has the advantage of already knowing the Premier League and Brighton’s system, but Azeez arrives with plenty of confidence after a season in which he was one of the Championship’s best wingers.

If Azeez quickly adapts to life at Brighton and with the qualities he possesses, then Minteh could lose his place in the team when he eventually returns from injury.

2. Zadok Yohanna

Zadok Yohanna is another player whose position could come under pressure, although the situation is slightly different because of his age and experience.

The 19-year-old Nigerian winger joined Brighton from AIK Stockholm in the summer after making a big impression in Sweden.

Yohanna scored five goals and provided four assists in 18 appearances for AIK before making the move to England. Brighton handed him a five-year contract until 2031, showing how highly the club rates his potential.

The youngster is still developing and while he will need time to adapt to the intensity and demands of English football, Azeez could have the upper advantage.

At 25, he has already played regular senior football and had a full season of strong performances in the Championship. He also has experience of playing under pressure and producing goals and assists consistently.

Azeez’s return could therefore give Hurzeler a more experienced option while Yohanna continues his development.

The Super Eagles forward will be eyeing a return to action against Sunderland this weekend, hoping to finally make his long-awaited debut for the club.