Bright Osayi-Samuel is already mapping out a future that stretches far beyond the touchline. While firmly established as Nigeria’s first-choice right-back and fresh from an impressive showing at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Birmingham City defender has begun laying the foundations for a long-term commitment to youth development back home.
At 28, Osayi-Samuel remains in his prime. He featured in six of Nigeria’s seven matches at the continental tournament, delivering the kind of energetic, disciplined performances that have become his trademark under Eric Chelle.
Yet even as his international stock continues to rise, his focus is not limited to medals and matchdays.
Born in Nigeria, raised partly in Madrid and later shaped by England’s football system, Osayi-Samuel’s journey has been defined by movement across cultures.
Despite growing up abroad, he has often spoken about how deliberately his parents kept him connected to his roots — a grounding he now credits for shaping his sense of responsibility.
That sense of duty has inspired a grassroots tournament in Edo State, an initiative he hopes will outlive his playing days.
“I think since last year, going back to Nigeria, going back to my state [Edo], it made me realise there are lots of people who want to be footballers but don’t have the opportunity,” Osayi-Samuel said in an interview with Oma Akatugba.
The former Fenerbahce and QPR man has already been running the competition for two years and intends to expand it significantly. “I want to keep going every year, make it bigger and take some scouts with me as well.”
His vision is collaborative. Super Eagles teammate Frank Onyeka has expressed interest in joining the project, and Osayi-Samuel is exploring potential partnerships with Birmingham City to provide kits and increase exposure for local talents.
“We want to get as many players to get involved… Those are the type of things I want to do when I finish football. When I have to give back, I’ll do my absolute best.”
