… Osayi-Samuel confident of 2026 World Cup ticket, confirms Fenerbahçe exit
… Enabulele urges establishment of Osayi-Samuel Football Academy in Benin
EDWARD OSEGHE
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has expressed strong optimism that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the team’s current struggles in the qualifying campaign.
Speaking to sports journalists at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Tuesday, Osayi-Samuel maintained that the team still has a good chance.
“In terms of the qualifiers, I believe the Super Eagles will qualify for the World Cup. The aim is to win every game from now. It will be difficult, but we have a good chance,” he said.
The defender hailed newly appointed coach Éric Chelle, describing him as “fantastic,” particularly in his tactical approach and pressing style.
“In our last game against Russia, we contained a team that hadn’t lost in six or seven matches. If we keep working together, we have a good chance,” he stated.
The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in their group, trailing leaders South Africa by six points, with only four matches left to secure qualification.
Meanwhile, Okuta FC emerged champions of the second edition of the Bright Osayi-Samuel U-13 Football Tournament after defeating Samco City FC 2-0 in the final held in Benin City. Eric Momoh and Uwa Ijesurobo scored the goals that sealed the trophy for Okuta FC.
The champions received a cash prize of N1 million and the golden trophy, while runners-up Samco City FC earned N700,000. Namo FA, who beat Delight FC 2-0 in the third-place match, took home N500,000.
Speaking after the final, Osayi-Samuel confirmed his departure from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, marking the end of his four-and-a-half-year stint with the club.
“Right now, my Fenerbahçe chapter is done. I’ve had four and a half years there and I enjoyed every single minute,” he said, adding that his next move could be to England or Spain, with a decision to be made in the coming days.
Despite his busy schedule, Osayi-Samuel said it was important to return home for the tournament.
“This is home. I missed the first edition, so I made sure to be here this time. After seeing how organised and fantastic it was today, my aim now is to make it bigger and better,” he said.
He praised the efforts of the Edo State Football Association Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, his local coordinator and partner, as well as the Edo State Sports Commission for their support in hosting the tournament.
Reflecting on the talents displayed, Osayi-Samuel reiterated that Nigeria’s challenge was not talent scarcity but lack of opportunities.
“The problem is not ability; it’s opportunity and platform. A tournament like this gives them a chance to express themselves,” he said, noting that he had seen several players with potential to become stars.
He also hinted at possible expansion of the tournament to include a girls’ edition and older age categories in future editions.
“Maybe we’ll do U-13 women’s or go up to U-14 and U-15. Coming here has made me realise how much this can grow,” he added.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, urged Osayi-Samuel to consider establishing a football academy in Benin City to further his grassroots football development project.
Enabulele made the call when Osayi-Samuel and his parents paid him a courtesy visit before the final match.
He commended the Super Eagles defender for giving back to society, pledging the state’s support towards realising an academy project in Benin City.
“We are ready to assist in securing land for the football academy project in Benin City. It will be a boost for your platform and for Edo youths,” Enabulele said.
Responding, Osayi-Samuel expressed gratitude for the warm reception, promising to do more for the development of football in Edo State.
“I wasn’t raised here; I grew up in England, but our kids here need assistance and opportunities. We want to see how we can use this platform to help them grow into professional football stars,” he said.
