Bright Osayi-Samuel’s recent move to Birmingham City came as a surprise to many, especially amid earlier reports linking him to Premier League side Crystal Palace. His transfer to a Championship club has stirred debate, and former youth international Sambo Choji exclusively for Footy-Africa shared his honest thoughts on the decision, offering a measured perspective.
The Nigerian defender, 27, parted ways with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe after his contract expired in June. Despite efforts from both sides, a new deal could not be agreed upon, prompting Osayi-Samuel to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Fueling the speculation about a Premier League switch, Osayi-Samuel had even been spotted in the stands at Selhurst Park during a Crystal Palace matchlast season. However, he ultimately signed a three-year contract with Birmingham City, returning to England five years after his initial move to Turkey.
“I do not know the financial details of the deal which took Bright (Osayi-Samuel) to Birmingham City, but I have mixed feelings about it,” Choji said. “Maybe he wanted to be closer to home because he grew up in England and played there, so that might be a key reason. Most times, footballers play better when they are with their loved ones or near their loved ones, so that may be a factor that influenced his return back to England and with Birmingham City.”
Choji, who was part of Nigeria’s victorious FIFA U17 World Cup team in 1993, acknowledged Osayi-Samuel’s talent and wished he had landed a spot with a Premier League club.
“He is a good defender and I was hoping some of the clubs in the Premier League would have signed him, but that is not the case now. I am sure he will do well with the team and help them win games and hopefully gain promotion to the Premier League,” he added.
The former striker also dismissed concerns that Osayi-Samuel’s move to the Championship could harm his Super Eagles prospects.
“I do not think it will affect him in that sense. I just hope that he plays regularly at his new club so that he can get invites to the Super Eagles. We have one or two players in the Championship who play for the Super Eagles, like Semi Ajayi, so I do not think it will be a problem. Once he plays well and regularly, he should be invited because he has shown he has what it takes to play for Nigeria,” Choji concluded.
