Super Eagles: Osayi-Samuel sends strong message to Ola Aina, Chelle with masterclass in league opener

Bright Osayi-Samuel of Birmingham City. Picture credit: ImagoxCody Froggatt /Sportimage

Birmingham City defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has made a strong case to be the Super Eagles’ first-choice right-back for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following a standout performance in his club’s season opener against Sheffield United, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Over the past year, Osayi-Samuel has frequently manned the right-back position for the Super Eagles, largely due to Ola Aina being sidelined by injuries or missing fixtures.

​Even so, Osayi-Samuel has consistently proved his worth, producing brilliant displays at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

​However, Aina has long been Nigeria’s undisputed number one, and whenever he is fit and available, he remains the favorite to retain the starting shirt.

​On Saturday, though, Osayi-Samuel served a timely reminder of his capabilities with a top-tier showing against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. He recorded one clearance, 16 ball recoveries, won seven of his 12 duels, registered 74 touches, and completed two successful dribbles to finish as one of Birmingham’s standout performers in a hard-fought goalless draw.

​According to Opta, his tally of 16 ball recoveries was the highest across the entire English Football League (Championship, League One, and League Two) during the opening weekend of the season.

16 – @BCFC‘s Bright Osayi-Samuel recovered possession 16 times for his side vs Sheffield United this weekend, five more than any other player across the EFL on matchday one.

Recycle. #OptaOnEFL pic.twitter.com/bnysO56u9Q

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 17, 2026

Soccer ​Super Eagles: Will Ola Aina Be Back For The 2027 AFCON Qualifiers?

​The Super Eagles’ next competitive assignment is the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where Nigeria will open their campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

​Coach Eric Chelle will undoubtedly be compiling his squad list, though it remains to be seen whether Aina will be available for selection. The defender has not featured for Nigeria since the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in September 2025, where a hamstring injury sidelined him for three months.

​He missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to fitness concerns, despite returning to club action shortly before the tournament kicked off.

​Aina’s continued absence during subsequent international windows has also sparked questions regarding his future availability for the national team.

​Now fully fit and featuring for Nottingham Forest in pre-season, it remains to be seen if he will earn a recall for the upcoming qualifiers.

​Nevertheless, coach Chelle has ample cover at the back with options like Osayi-Samuel, Ryan Alebiosu, Benjamin Fredrick, and Abdullahi Bewene. With Osayi-Samuel putting up performances like the one he delivered against Sheffield United, Chelle can rest assured that the right-back position is in safe hands.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.