Fenerbahçe full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel has revealed how he was convinced to play for Nigeria and says he’s eager to make the Super Eagles team stronger.
Osayi-Samuel received his first call up to the Nigeria national team last week when he was included in the 23-man squad list for the friendly against Portugal.
Osayi-Samuel, who was born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents, is also qualified to represent England because he has a British passport. The 24-year-old has revealed how Jose Peseiro persuaded him to play for Nigeria.
“I’m delighted to be here, I’ve always said I would like to play for my country and I’m happy to get the opportunity to show what I’m all about,” he said on NFF TV.
“My invitation to the Super Eagles, I knew about it like a month or two months ago, the coach [Jose Peseiro] called my coach because they knew each other and said he wants to know if I’m interested to play for Nigeria.
“And by the time he asked me I already knew my answer, I’m Nigerian and I’m proud being a Nigerian when the opportunity came to play for the country I’m in.
“I just want to play to my best, show what I’m capable of and obviously bring my qualities into the [Super Eagles] team and make the team stronger.”
Osayi-Samuel started his professional career with Blackpool in 2015. He also played for Queens Park Rangers in England before joining Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Super Lig in 2021.
The versatile full-back who can also play as a midfielder has made 21 appearances for Fenerbahçe in all competitions this season. He could make his Super Eagles debut tomorrow against Portugal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.
