Super Eagles: Why Femi Azeez’s Brighton debut could be perfect timing for Eric Chelle

Femi Azeez could walk into Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans with something new to offer and that is Premier League experience, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Brighton winger is set to train with the first team on Thursday after recovering from the minor hamstring problem that delayed his debut. Manager Fabian Hurzeler said Azeez could be an option when Brighton visit Coventry City on Sunday, provided he completes the session without problems.

“Also regarding him, I hope he will be an option. He will definitely train today with the squad and hopefully everything is fine and then he hopefully is an option for the weekend,” Hurzeler told reporters.

The development comes at an important point for Chelle. Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Azeez has already given Chelle a strong reason to consider him. He scored twice on his Nigeria debut against Zimbabwe in May before setting up another goal in the 3-0 win over Jamaica four days later.

Azeez: A Premier League test before Super Eagles duty

A Brighton debut would give Chelle another piece of evidence before the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign begins.

Azeez arrives at Brighton after a productive 2025/26 season with Millwall. He scored 11 goals and made seven assists across all competitions as Millwall reached the Championship play-off semi-finals. His performances earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

Brighton completed his move on a four-year contract on deadline day. The club’s sporting director Mike Cave described him as one of the Championship’s most exciting attacking players.

Hurzeler has also explained what attracted Brighton to the Nigerian.

“Femi’s a winger, he can score with the right and with the left foot. He has really good decision-making in the final third,” the German said.

“He’s a hard worker. I’m really pleased with the transfer window. Of course, there have been a lot of changes. Now it’s about us integrating all the new players as quickly as possible and becoming a really strong unit, and that’s our responsibility now.”

That versatility could help Azeez as Chelle weighs his attacking options. He can operate on either flank, while his ability to score with both feet gives him another route into the team.

The immediate test is Coventry. Azeez missed Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United last weekend because of the injury, but Hurzeler’s latest update has put his debut back in sight.

If he gets onto the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Azeez could face fellow Nigerians Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka.

A strong first Premier League appearance would not guarantee a Super Eagles place, but it would give Chelle a fresh performance to assess before Nigeria face Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Russia.