Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has received a major defensive boost ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs against Gabon with the return of right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Osayi-Samuel made his return to Birmingham City’s matchday squad during their 3–2 home defeat to Hull City on Saturday, although he remained an unused substitute throughout the encounter.
The Nigeria international had missed the Super Eagles’ final round of World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin due to a knock, with left-back Zaidu Sanusi stepping in as his replacement.
It was a challenging qualification campaign for Chelle, who had to cope without a natural right-back following injuries to Ola Aina, Felix Agu, and Osayi-Samuel.
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The Franco-Malian tactician was forced to deploy centre-back Benjamin Fredrick in that role, and the youngster impressed with solid performances in both matches.
The 27-year-old’s return now provides much-needed balance to Chelle’s defensive setup ahead of the crucial clash against a free-scoring Gabon side led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
While Aina and Agu are yet to regain full fitness and will miss the mid-November encounter, Chelle remains hopeful of having them available for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December.
Osayi-Samuel is expected to make his on-field return for Birmingham City when they travel to face Preston North End on Tuesday.
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