2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Birmingham Boss Reveals Why Osayi-Samuel Was Left Out

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Birmingham Boss Reveals Why Osayi-Samuel Was Left Out

Sampson Adedeji

Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has explained why Nigerian defender Bright Osayi-Samuel was left out of the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Osayi-Samuel, who was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the doubleheader, was ruled out after failing to recover from a knock.

Speaking to Birmingham Mail, Davies revealed that the 27-year-old was not fit enough to feature. “He [Osayi-Samuel] was not really close; he just couldn’t get over that knock he had,” Davies said.

 “It’s nothing serious, and we don’t expect it to keep him out for long, but he just wasn’t ready for these games.”