Former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George has expressed surprise at Bright Osayi-Samuel’s decision to leave Turkish giants Fenerbahçe for English Championship side Birmingham City, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Ajax star, who donned the colours of the Dutch club from 1993 to 1996, suggested the defender could have aimed higher at this stage of his career.
Osayi-Samuel recently signed a three-year deal with Birmingham City after declining a contract extension at Fenerbahçe, where he was a regular under several managers.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from the Nigerian football community, with Finidi joining those who expected the 27-year-old to remain in top-flight European football rather than a newly promoted EFL Championship club.
“I really do not know his motive for not renewing with Fenerbahçe and going back to England,” Finidi said to Footy Africa.
“For me, I think players should be aiming high while they still have the energy and age on their side to play at the highest level. That is what I was expecting from Bright (Osayi-Samuel).“He is a good player who I believe can play in the big leagues and with big clubs — with due respect to Birmingham City.”
Despite his concerns, Finidi downplayed suggestions that the move to a second-tier side could affect Osayi-Samuel’s place in the Nigerian national team.
The former Ajax winger praised the defender’s performances for the Super Eagles and insisted that club level should not be a determining factor if the player continues to deliver on international duty.
“No, I do not think it will affect him in any way in the Super Eagles because he is already a regular player in the team. He has demonstrated that he can play, and he fits in properly, giving his best anytime he is called upon,” Finidi added.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be aiming to secure a World Cup ticket later this year, followed by a strong campaign at the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Despite his move to a second-tier club, the Nigerian international is still expected to play a key role in Eric Chelle’s squad.