Birmingham star benched in 3-2 thrilling loss to Hull City
By Ed Emeanua
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles continues to enjoy a turnaround of fate as Nigeria’s defensive injury haze steadily clears up.
The Nigeria boss will now have Birmingham City’s defensive stalwart Bright Osayi-Samuel available for selection for the November 13, CAF, FIFA 2026 World Cup semifinal playoff against Gabon.
The Nigeria international stretched Super Eagles defensive injury problem when he joined the growing list of fullbacks for October’s crucial World Cup qualifiers early that month.
He joined Nottingham Forest’s right wing back Ola Aina and Werder Bremen’s right wide defender Felix Agu in an already dire defensive injury crisis for the Super Eagles.
The former Fenerbahce defender having sustained a foot injury against Wrexham, was forced to miss several weeks of action for Club and Country.
Osayi-Samuel has now returned from injury sideline Saturday in his side’s 2-3 thrilling loss to Hull City following weeks on injury-induced sideline.
The Birmingham City right wing back and compatriot, Hull City’s center back Semi Ajayi, were both unused substitutes in the encounter.
His return from a foot injury sustained in early October is considered a boost for Nigeria manager Chelle’s World Cup qualification dream.
He missed several matches, including the World Cup qualifiers for the Super Eagles, but his manager Chris Davies had also stated that the injury is not serious and he was recovering well.
Osayi-Samuel sustained a foot injury after blocking a cross during a match against Sheffield Wednesday in early October. The injury is not considered long-term, and he is expected to be back in action shortly.
He missed a period of games for both his club, Birmingham City, and the Nigerian national team.
Club Brugge’s defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Lazio play maker Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who also both missed October’s WCQ for Nigeria, are expected to return to action in late October.
Lazio’s Dele-Bashiru has reportedly commenced full training with Mauricio Sarri’s side.
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