Super Eagles: 2 challenges Femi Azeez must overcome to break into Brighton’s team

Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez is still waiting to make his long-awaited debut for Brighton & Hove Albion following his summer move from Millwall.

The 25-year-old joined the Seagulls on transfer deadline day after an impressive spell in the Championship, but injury problems have delayed the start of his career at the Amex Stadium.

Azeez enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign with Millwall, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 37 Championship appearances as he helped the Lions reach the play-offs. His performances also earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season.

The Super Eagles winger had also begun to make his mark on the international stage, scoring twice for Nigeria on his debut, while he also provided an assist in his first two appearances during the Unity Cup earlier this year.

However, Azeez has been out of action since suffering a problem in Millwall’s opening league game in August, and his lengthy spell on the sidelines has made his wait for a Brighton debut even longer.

While he will be hoping to finally get his opportunity as soon as possible, breaking into Fabian Hurzeler’s team may not be straightforward. 

Femi Azeez: Two challenges Super Eagles star must overcome to earn a regular place at Brighton

1. Brighton’s in-form attack

One of Azeez’s biggest challenges will be the form of Brighton’s attacking players. The Seagulls have enjoyed some impressive performances this season, with their wide players and attacking options playing an important role in the team’s success.

With Brighton’s current attacking formula producing results, Hurzeler may be reluctant to make too many changes to a side that has already shown it can cause problems for opponents.

That means Femi Azeez will have to be patient and take his chances when they come and the Super Eagles forward will need to show that he can offer something different if he is to force his way into the manager’s plans.

His pace and goal threat could make him a useful option for Brighton, but he will first have to prove that he deserves to disrupt an attack that has been performing well.

2. Getting back to full fitness

Azeez’s other major challenge is getting back to full fitness and match sharpness. The former Millwall star has not played competitive football since August, meaning he will need time to get his body back up to the level required for Premier League football.

Even after returning to training, Azeez will have to regain his rhythm and get used to the intensity of Hurzeler’s system. The Brighton boss has already stressed the importance of helping the winger reach his highest physical level before fully integrating him into the team.

After spending several weeks out of action, the Super Eagles star may initially have to settle for limited minutes as he works his way back into contention.

Azeez will be hoping that the wait for his Brighton debut does not last much longer. Once he is fully fit and back up to speed, the 25-year-old will have the chance to show why his performances for Millwall convinced the Seagulls to bring him to the Premier League.

His challenge now is to overcome these obstacles and make his mark in Hurzeler’s team as soon as possible.