Super Eagles: What Femi Azeez must get right before Brighton debut

Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez could soon make his long-awaited Brighton & Hove Albion debut after returning to training with the Premier League club.

Azeez joined the Seagulls from Championship side Millwall during the summer transfer window in a deal worth north of £15 million.

The Nigerian winger arrived at Brighton after enjoying an impressive spell with Millwall, where his performances helped establish him as one of the most exciting players outside the Premier League.

He helped Millwall reach the Championship playoffs semifinals last season and also earned a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season as well.

However, he is yet to play for Brighton after suffering an injury that has kept him out of action since August.

The 25-year-old has now returned to training, raising hopes that he could finally get the chance to make his debut in the coming weeks.

But after spending several months on the sidelines, Azeez will need to get a few things right before he can force his way into Fabian Hurzeler’s plans.

Azeez: What Super Eagles forward must do before Brighton debut

1. Getting back to full fitness

The first and most important task for Azeez will be getting back to full fitness. Having been out of competitive action since August, the Super Eagles star will need time to regain his sharpness and adjust to the intensity of Premier League football.

Returning to training is an important step, but Azeez must prove that he is physically ready to handle the demands of Hurzeler’s system.

Brighton will be careful with his return, especially after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and the Super Eagles winger will need to show that he can train consistently without any setbacks.

While he has proven that he can produce special performances in the Championship, the Premier League is another level entirely and he must quickly rediscover the form he showed last season to earn a regular place in the team under Hurzeler.

Once he is fully fit and back up to speed, the 25-year-old will be in a much stronger position to compete for a place in the matchday squad, with several records in sight for him.

2. Azeez must make a very good impression in training

Azeez must also show the Brighton coaching staff what he can bring to the team with a good display once he returns to full team training.

Competition for places is strong at the Amex Stadium this season, given the Seagulls impressive start to the campaign and the former Millwall star cannot simply rely on his previous performances to earn an opportunity.

He will need to impress Hurzeler in training and show that he can bring his qualities into Brighton’s style of play.

Azeez’s pace, ability to take on defenders and attacking threat could give him something different to offer, but he must demonstrate those qualities regularly on the training pitch.

The Super Eagles winger will be hoping to return to competitive action as soon as possible and finally make his Brighton debut. If he can regain full fitness and make a strong impression in training, his long wait for a first appearance could soon come to an end.