Brighton seal deadline-day deal for Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez

Brighton have completed the signing of Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez from Millwall for £15m on deadline day, giving the player a move into the Premier League and adding another Nigeria-eligible footballer to the club’s squad.

The transfer represents a major step in Azeez’s career after his time with Millwall and provides him with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of English football. The £15m fee also underlines the progress he has made and the confidence Brighton have placed in his ability.

Azeez’s arrival increases Nigeria’s representation in the Premier League. He joins compatriot Yohana at Brighton, taking the number of Nigerian players at the club to two.

Nigeria’s current Premier League contingent also includes Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi at Fulham; Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka at Coventry City; Semi Ajayi at Hull City; Chuba Akpom at Ipswich Town; Benjamin Fredrick at Brentford; and Ola Aina at Nottingham Forest.

For the 24-year-old winger, the move marks an important milestone and could offer him the platform to establish himself among the leading players in English football. Brighton’s decision to complete the deal on deadline day makes Azeez one of the latest additions to the Premier League before the transfer window closed.

The move is also viewed as a positive development for Nigeria’s national team, which is continuing to build towards its forthcoming international challenges. Azeez’s presence in the Premier League could give the Super Eagles another option when the squad is selected for future fixtures.

However, the number of players who may eventually be available to Nigeria should be considered carefully. Not every Nigeria-eligible player currently associated with the Premier League can be described as part of the Super Eagles’ established group.

Tim Iroegbunam, for example, should not yet be included in that category because his international future remains uncertain. There is also no clear indication that Michael Kayode, Tosin Adarabioyo or Ethan Nwaneri intend to represent Nigeria at senior level.

Until those players make their positions clear, they cannot reasonably be counted among footballers committed to the Super Eagles. Their eligibility or potential links to Nigeria do not, by themselves, confirm an international decision.

For now, Azeez’s move is a welcome development for both Brighton and Nigeria. The winger gains the chance to continue his development in the Premier League, while the Super Eagles add another top-flight player who could become an option for the national team.

The transfer further strengthens Nigeria’s presence in England’s top division and gives Azeez a fresh challenge after his spell at Millwall.

Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSNSportsConcept.