Brighton’s Nigerian duo left out despite emphatic Conference League win

Brighton & Hove Albion’s 4-0 victory over Kauno Zalgiris in the UEFA Conference League did not bring opportunities for Nigerian pair Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna, who were both omitted from the matchday squad.

The result at the American Express Stadium on Thursday gave Brighton an impressive start to their European campaign on October 15, but Azeez and Yohanna’s continued absence means they remain waiting for competitive football with the Premier League club.

Georginio Rutter scored twice, with Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also finding the net as Fabian Hurzeler’s side secured a comfortable win against the Lithuanian opposition.

The omission of the two Nigerians was nevertheless a significant talking point, given the growing questions over their lack of involvement since joining Brighton.

Azeez moved from Millwall in September after an impressive 2025/26 Championship campaign. The winger had established himself at Millwall after developing at Reading, where he made considerable progress before earning his move to The Den.

His arrival at Brighton was viewed as an opportunity to build on his experience in English football’s second tier, but regular involvement will be important as he attempts to secure a place in Hurzeler’s squad.

Yohanna joined Brighton from Swedish club AIK during the summer, signing a five-year contract that runs until June 2031. The young forward attracted attention during the 2026 season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 18 league and cup appearances.

Hurzeler has previously indicated that Yohanna would need time to adjust to the demands of English football. The Brighton manager has described him as an exciting attacking prospect with pace, creativity and the ability to affect matches in the final third.

The continued absence of both players from matchday selections leaves their immediate prospects uncertain. Azeez has experience of the English league system, while Yohanna remains at an earlier stage of his development and may need a longer adaptation period.

Brighton’s commanding performance against Kauno Zalgiris underlined the range of options available to Hurzeler as the club manages its domestic commitments alongside European football. For Azeez and Yohanna, however, opportunities must still be earned.

Brighton are scheduled to play Czech side FK Jablonec in their next Conference League fixture on October 22. That match will provide another possible route into the squad for the two Nigerians.

For now, both remain on the fringes of Brighton’s first-team picture, with neither included against Kauno Zalgiris and their wait for competitive minutes continuing.