Nigeria winger, Femi Azeez, is set to join Brighton’s first-team training on Thursday as he closes in on his Premier League debut, a development that could strengthen his case for a place in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that the 25-year-old has recovered from the minor hamstring injury that prevented him from making his debut last weekend and could be available when the Seagulls travel to Coventry City on Sunday.
“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.
Azeez’s return to full training comes at an important time for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25. They will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Brighton winger has already made an impression on Chelle, scoring twice on his Nigeria debut against Zimbabwe in May before providing an assist in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 victory over Jamaica four days later.
Azeez joined Brighton from Millwall following an impressive 2025/26 campaign in the Championship, where he registered 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
His performances also earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.
Hurzeler has praised the Nigerian’s versatility, highlighting his ability to play on either wing, score with both feet and make good decisions in the final third.
A successful Premier League debut could therefore provide Chelle with another option as he finalises his attacking plans for the upcoming international fixtures.
If selected against Coventry, Azeez could also come up against fellow Nigerians Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka.
A strong showing would not automatically secure his place in the Super Eagles squad, but it would give Chelle another opportunity to assess the winger at the highest level of English football.
