Birmingham City right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel has opened up about his decision to represent Nigeria rather than England at the international level, citing his strong connection to his heritage and the team spirit of the Super Eagles.
Osayi-Samuel, born in Okija to Nigerian parents but raised in England for fourteen years, made his competitive debut for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Guinea-Bissau under coach José Peseiro. He was a key player during Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, starting in six out of seven matches and delivering a standout defensive performance in the semifinal against Morocco.
Speaking to OmaSportsTV, Osayi-Samuel explained that family, culture, and team camaraderie influenced his choice. “Playing for Nigeria, everyone is having fun. You never see any bad feelings; even players who aren’t on the pitch are smiling and excited. This is one of the reasons I will always choose Nigeria first,” he said.
The 28-year-old also revealed that his shift from winger to right-back at Fenerbahçe created the opportunity that shaped his career with the national team. “When I got the call-up to play as a right-back, I was really excited. That’s one of the main reasons I took the role seriously,” he added.
Osayi-Samuel emphasized that his decision went beyond football, highlighting the influence of his parents in keeping him connected to Nigerian culture and family. Since his debut, he has earned 32 caps for the Super Eagles, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the national team.