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Osayi-Samuel tops EFL defensive stat

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Bright Osayi-Samuel has strengthened his case for a return to the Super Eagles after making an impressive start to the new Championship season with Birmingham City, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian defender was one of Birmingham’s standout performers in their goalless draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday, producing an assured display on both sides of the ball.

Osayi-Samuel recovered possession 16 times during the encounter, the highest figure recorded by any player across the English Football League on the opening weekend. According to Opta, his tally was five more than that of any other player on Matchday One.

The 28-year-old also won seven of his 12 duels, completed two successful dribbles, made one clearance and registered 74 touches as Birmingham earned a point away from home.

The performance could boost Osayi-Samuel’s chances of returning to the Super Eagles when coach Eric Chelle names his squad for Nigeria’s September fixtures.

Nigeria are scheduled to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with Chelle expected to announce his squad in the coming weeks.

Osayi-Samuel has been a regular option for Nigeria at right-back, particularly when first-choice Ola Aina has been unavailable.

Aina has not featured for the Super Eagles since the 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in September 2025 and subsequently missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a hamstring injury.

The Nottingham Forest defender has since returned to full fitness and featured during pre-season, potentially giving Chelle more options at right-back ahead of the September qualifiers.

Osayi-Samuel, however, has made an early statement at club level, with his impressive opening-day display providing a timely reminder of his value to the national team.

Having last featured for Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Birmingham defender will hope his strong start to the Championship season is enough to earn him a place in Chelle’s next squad.

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