Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez has returned to first-team training with Brighton & Hove Albion, marking a significant step in his recovery from a hamstring injury that has delayed his start at the English Premier League club.
Brighton shared a photograph of the Nigerian winger training with his new teammates ahead of the club’s trip to Sunderland on Saturday, October 10, 2026. His return to team sessions raises the possibility of a first competitive appearance for the Seagulls, subject to his fitness and the club’s medical assessment.
Azeez joined Brighton from Millwall on September 1, 2026, but has yet to make his competitive debut after arriving with a hamstring problem that required careful management. The injury ruled him out of Brighton’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United on September 5, while a subsequent setback delayed his return beyond the September international break.
Azeez Takes Important Step Towards Brighton Debut
The return to full-team training represents an encouraging development for the 25-year-old, who moved to Brighton after establishing himself as an influential attacking player in the English Championship.
His recovery has been closely watched since the transfer, with Brighton managing his workload to avoid aggravating the injury before he is ready for competitive football.
Although his participation in training is a positive sign, it does not automatically confirm that he will feature against Sunderland. His availability will depend on his fitness, the coaching staff’s assessment and the club’s decision on whether he is ready for match action.
Azeez’s return also gives Brighton an opportunity to assess how quickly he can adapt to the team’s playing demands after missing the opening stages of his time at the club.
Why Brighton Signed the Nigerian Winger
Brighton secured Azeez’s services after his impressive performances for Millwall, where he developed into an important attacking option in the Championship.
The winger scored 11 goals and registered eight assists during the 2025/26 season, helping Millwall reach the Championship play-offs. His performances attracted attention because of his pace, direct running, crossing ability and capacity to contribute goals from wide positions.
Brighton’s assessment of the player also highlighted his work rate and defensive contribution, qualities that could help him adapt to the demands of Premier League football.
Azeez is known for operating on the right flank, where his left foot allows him to cut inside and create shooting or passing opportunities. His ability to attack space and deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area offers Brighton another option in the final third.
However, he will need to regain full fitness and compete for a place in the squad before his qualities can translate into competitive performances for his new club.
From Millwall to the Premier League
Azeez’s move to Brighton marks another important stage in a career that has included spells outside the top levels of English football.
Before establishing himself at Millwall, he played for several lower-league sides, including Northwood, Wealdstone, Hanwell Town and Bracknell Town, after leaving Watford’s academy.
His progress through the English football system reflects a gradual rise rather than an immediate route into the top flight.
At Millwall, his attacking output and development helped strengthen his reputation as a player capable of making the step up to Premier League competition.
The move to Brighton provides him with an opportunity to test himself against a higher level of opposition, although competition for places and the need to adjust to a new tactical system will be important challenges.
What His Return Means for Brighton
A fully fit Azeez could provide Brighton with additional depth and flexibility in wide attacking positions as the club navigates the Premier League season.
His pace and ability to create opportunities could become useful options for head coach Fabian Hürzeler, particularly when Brighton need width, direct attacking runs or additional goal contributions from their wingers.
Nevertheless, the club will have to balance the benefits of bringing the new signing into action with the need to avoid rushing his recovery. A hamstring injury can require a gradual increase in training intensity before a player is ready to withstand the demands of a competitive match.
For Azeez, the immediate priority will be to complete his recovery, build match fitness and establish himself within Brighton’s first-team plans.
Sunderland Fixture Could Offer a Potential Opportunity
Brighton are scheduled to travel to face Sunderland on Saturday, October 10. Azeez’s return to team training ahead of the fixture creates the possibility of involvement, but his selection has not been confirmed by the information available.
The coaching staff will need to determine whether he has completed enough training to handle the physical demands of a Premier League match.
If he is not considered ready for the Sunderland game, further training sessions could help him progress towards his first appearance for the club.
For Nigerian football supporters, his recovery is an encouraging development as the winger seeks to establish himself at Brighton and continue his progress in English football.
His competitive debut will ultimately depend on his medical clearance, fitness levels and selection by the coaching staff.
Weng Global will continue to follow Azeez’s progress as he works towards his first competitive appearance for Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Sources
- Brighton & Hove Albion — The Lowdown on Femi Azeez
- Punch — Azeez Begins Team Training at Brighton
