Super Eagles: Why Azeez could face a difficult challenge on return from injury

Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez could face a difficult task breaking into Brighton & Hove Albion’s first team when he eventually returns from injury.

The 25-year-old joined the Premier League club in a deal worth just over £15 million from Championship side Millwall on transfer deadline day after enjoying an impressive 2025/26 campaign.

Azeez was one of the standout players in the Championship last season and earned a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season after helping Millwall reach the play-off semi-finals.

However, an injury he suffered during their opening game of the 2026/27 campaign has kept him out of action for several months. Despite joining Brighton in September, the Super Eagles winger is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

With Brighton enjoying a good run of form this season, Azeez could face a difficult route into the starting team when he returns, as competition for places could limit his opportunities to establish himself under Fabian Hurzeler.

Azeez to miss Brighton’s Conference League clash against Getafe

Brighton will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing draw against Jablonec in their previous Conference League outing when they travel to Spain to face Getafe on Thursday.

However, Azeez will remain unavailable for the encounter as he continues his recovery from injury, although Hurzeler has confirmed that the Nigerian star is getting closer to a return.

The former Reading star has resumed some on-field activities and is making progress towards full fitness. However, he is yet to reach the physical condition required to return to competitive action.

Speaking ahead of the Getafe clash, Hurzeler confirmed that Azeez was among the players who were unavailable for selection but suggested that his recovery was progressing well.

“We left no one at home for a rest, but a few players had to stay home because they’re not available for tomorrow. Femi is still not available. They’re getting closer, especially Femi”, Hurzeler said, according to RotoWire.

Why Super Eagles star could face a difficult challenge on his return

1. Competition for places could make things difficult

One of the biggest challenges awaiting Azeez is the competition for places at Brighton, particularly in the attacking and midfield positions where he could be deployed.

The Super Eagles star will have to compete with established options in Hurzeler’s squad, making it important for him to make a strong impression once he becomes available again.

Unlike players who have been involved throughout the campaign, Azeez has missed valuable opportunities to understand the manager’s demands, build relationships with his teammates and establish himself in the team’s playing structure.

That could make his first few weeks after recovery very important. He may have to settle for limited minutes initially before working his way towards a more regular role.

With Brighton already enjoying a good campaign, Hurzeler may also be reluctant to make unnecessary changes to a team that is performing well. Azeez will therefore need to take advantage of whatever opportunities come his way.

2. Regaining match fitness

Another concern for Azeez will be how quickly he can regain the fitness and rhythm required to compete at the highest level.

Although he has resumed some on-field activities, returning to training is different from being ready for competitive football. The versatile attacker will need time to build his physical condition and recover the sharpness that comes from playing regularly.

Brighton are also unlikely to rush him back, especially after his fitness problems have already kept him out for several months.

This means Azeez could need patience as he works towards his first appearance. Even when he is passed fit to play, the 25-year-old may have to go through a gradual return before being considered for a starting role.

When could Azeez make his Brighton debut?

The November international break comes at a potentially important time for the Super Eagles star, as it could give him an opportunity to make further progress in his recovery and work towards full fitness.

Brighton’s Premier League clash against Brentford this weekend could come too soon for Azeez, although he could now be targeting a return against Hull City after the international break.

However, he will not be available for Nigeria’s November fixtures against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and will miss another opportunity to feature for the Super Eagles after also being absent from the previous international matches.

For Azeez, the immediate priority will be to regain full fitness and return to competitive action as soon as he is ready.

His first challenge will be getting back on the pitch, but convincing Hurzeler that he deserves a regular place in the team could prove just as important.