Femi Azeez’s football journey has taken another exciting turn after the Nigerian international completed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion, earning his first opportunity to play in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old winger joined Brighton from Championship side Millwall on a four-year contract, becoming the latest Nigerian player to secure a move to one of the biggest leagues in the world.
While the official transfer fee was not announced, reports suggested that Brighton paid an initial fee of around £12.5 million, with the deal potentially rising through add-ons.
Brighton Sporting Director Mike Cave said the club was delighted to bring Azeez to the team after his impressive performances for Millwall. The club sees him as one of the exciting attacking talents to emerge from the Championship.
For Azeez, however, the move means much more than simply changing clubs.
His journey to the Premier League has taken years of patience and steady progress.
From Non-League Football to the Premier League
Before reaching this stage, Azeez played at Watford at youth level before beginning his senior career in non-league football.
He played for Northwood, Wealdstone and Hanwell Town before earning a move to Reading in 2019. His performances continued to improve, and in 2024 he joined Millwall.
At Millwall, Azeez became one of the club’s important attacking players. He made 77 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists.
His performances during the 2025/26 season earned him recognition in the PFA Championship Team of the Season and the EFL Championship Team of the Season.
Now, the player who once worked his way through non-league football has earned the chance to test himself in the Premier League.
It is another reminder that football journeys do not always follow a straight line. Sometimes, players have to take the longer route and keep proving themselves at every level.
A Big Year for Nigeria’s New Star
Azeez’s club success has come at the same time as an exciting start to his international career.
He made his senior debut for Nigeria in June 2026 and immediately announced himself in style, scoring twice in the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory over Zimbabwe.
Four days later, he provided an assist as Nigeria defeated Jamaica 3–0.
The past few months have therefore been remarkable for the winger.
From making his Super Eagles debut and scoring two goals, to earning recognition as one of the Championship’s standout players and now signing a four-year deal with Brighton, Azeez’s career has moved quickly.
Brighton will now hope his pace, creativity and attacking ability can make an impact in the Premier League.
For Nigerian football fans, his move is another exciting development as more players from the country continue to earn opportunities at the highest level of European football.
And for Femi Azeez, the journey from non-league football to the Premier League is officially complete.
The next challenge is proving that he belongs there.
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