Bright Osayi-Samuel Names Best AFCON 2025 Display As Father Reacts
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has placed a bright spotlight on some of Africa’s finest football talents, and Bright Osayi-Samuel has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most consistent and influential performers at the tournament. The Birmingham City right-back has been a formidable presence in the Super Eagles’ defence, helping them enjoy one of their most defensively solid AFCON campaigns in recent history. Osayi-Samuel featured in all but one of Nigeria’s matches in Morocco, playing a crucial role as the three-time African champions recorded three consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stages.
The Super Eagles began the knockout phase with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16, followed by a 2-0 win against Algeria in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final, Nigeria held host nation Morocco to a goalless draw after 120 minutes before eventually bowing out on penalties. Throughout these matches, Osayi-Samuel’s work rate on the right flank stood out, with his ability to shut down opposition wingers, recover quickly in transition, and contribute offensively, making him one of Nigeria’s most consistent and reliable players in Morocco.
A different Super Eagles under Eric Chelle
Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco brought an end to their hopes of surpassing their AFCON 2023 runner-up finish in Cote d’Ivoire.
Osayi-Samuel was part of that silver-medal-winning squad two years ago, but he believes the Super Eagles now look very different under head coach Eric Chelle.
He credited Chelle for transforming the team’s mentality, creating a more united, disciplined, and self-focused group.
Osayi-Samuel told R.org: “This has been a great tournament and the major difference from the last edition is that we have just been focusing on ourselves. That’s what we’ve been doing each game, focusing on ourselves.
“Of course, every team has its strengths, and that’s the coach’s job, which he has done well, and we carry out his instructions on the pitch. As a team, we believed in ourselves and kept listening to what the manager wants us to do. I think teams are now scared of us because of the way we play, and that’s what we want to continue to do, by dominating games.”
Eric Chelle’s impact has been evident since his appointment in January 2025.
Nigeria has not lost a match in regular time under his leadership, recording 11 wins, five draws, and two defeats, both coming via penalty shootouts against the Democratic Republic of Congo (World Cup qualifiers playoffs) and Morocco (AFCON 2025 semi-final).
‘People Sleep on Me’ – Osayi-Samuel on Proving Doubters Wrong
Osayi-Samuel’s football journey has not followed a conventional path. A product of the Blackpool academy, he began his career as a winger before tactical evolution moulded him into a modern full-back who thrives on intensity, pressing, and physical duels. After spending three and a half years at Fenerbahce, where he played more than 120 matches, Osayi-Samuel returned to England in July 2025 to join Birmingham City, aiming to help the club push for promotion in the Championship.
He believes he has silenced critics who questioned his defensive qualities at the Africa Cup of Nations. The 28-year-old singled out Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria as his standout performance not just at AFCON 2025, but in his entire international career since making his Super Eagles debut in November 2022.
“I’m a confident player. I think some people sleep on me, which is normal,” he continued.
“For instance, the game against Algeria is where I showed people what I can do, and that was one of the games that I enjoyed at this tournament. I think it’s probably my best game for the Super Eagles. I’ll continue to improve my performance and see how to get the best out of myself.”
A Proud Father Moment for Osayi-Samuel Sr
Osayi-Samuel’s father was among hundreds of Nigerians in the diaspora who made the trip from England to Morocco to cheer his son and country on in their quest for AFCON glory.
He was joined by the parents of Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams, creating a strong family presence in the stands.
He expressed pride in watching his son fight for Nigeria in a continental tournament, and he remains optimistic about the current Super Eagles’ development despite the latest setback against Morocco on Wednesday.
“I am speechless, my son has surprised me so far,” Osayi-Samuel’s father told R.org.
“He told me, ‘Daddy, I’m going for the AFCON,’ and I am satisfied and proud that he has fulfilled the promises he made with the beautiful performances I’ve seen. I think this current Super Eagles team is more composed than the 2023 team. Our opponents even enjoy our game pattern, so Nigeria is ready to play any team.”
Nigeria face one final hurdle in Morocco on Saturday to wrap up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. They face Egypt in a third-place match in Casablanca with the aim of winning a bronze medal, while Morocco and Senegal face off in the final in Rabat.