Osayi-Samuel’s Birmingham Struggles Hands Eric Chelle Major AFCON Dilemma

Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has issued a clear challenge to Bright Osayi-Samuel, urging the defender to take full advantage of a rare opening and fight his way back into the starting XI.

Osayi has experienced a difficult stretch at St Andrew’s, spending nearly two months out of favour while Tomoki Iwata cemented himself as the first-choice option.

Iwata’s suspension for Monday’s fixture against Watford now presents Osayi-Samuel with a crucial opportunity to revive his Blues career. Davies believes the moment is perfectly set for the Nigerian to demonstrate his quality and stake a claim for a more permanent role moving forward.

“Bright has been brought in to be an important player for us. He made a good start then with injuries he found himself out of the team”, Blues boss Davies allayed as per Birmingham Live.

“Tomoki was moved to right-back because both right-backs were injured and Tomoki has been one of if not the best full-back in the league in that time, he’s been exceptional.

“There’s an opportunity for Bright to come in and show what he can do because he’s an international player, he’s played at a really good level and he’s been working well.”

With Osayi-Samuel expected to link up with Nigeria for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, a strong performance would not only strengthen his standing at Birmingham but also boost his momentum ahead of the continental tournament.

Super Eagles proposed provisional 55-man list is expected to be announced next week as Nigeria set sight on continental triumph after World Cup heartbreak.