Nigeria Super Eagles Osayi-Samuel Reveals Eze AFCON Advice

Bright Osayi-Samuel Reveals Advice to Eberechi Eze on Nigeria Ahead of England Commitment

Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel has disclosed that he encouraged Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze to represent the Super Eagles, despite the player’s eventual choice to play for England.

Osayi-Samuel, a defender for Birmingham City, spoke about his private conversation with Eze during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured a bronze medal in Ivory Coast. According to the 27-year-old, Eze, a longtime friend, reached out specifically to inquire about the environment within the Nigerian camp.

“He asked me, ‘How is the camp?’” Osayi-Samuel recounted. He interpreted the question as a clear sign of Eze’s genuine interest in the team’s dynamics and culture, noting the palpable passion for football within the Nigerian setup that is often visible on social media.

Eze’s international future was a subject of significant speculation for several years. The England-born attacking midfielder, who came through the Queens Park Rangers academy, was heavily pursued by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). He reportedly held discussions with former NFF president Amaju Pinnick before ultimately committing to the Three Lions in 2023.

While respecting Eze’s decision, Osayi-Samuel stated that if given the opportunity to counsel him again, his advice would remain unchanged. “Nigeria comes first,” he affirmed.

Eze has since earned 16 caps for England, scoring three goals, and has become a regular fixture in the squad. His case highlights the ongoing strategic efforts by African nations to persuade dual-nationality talents, particularly those developed in European academies, to represent the continent.

Osayi-Samuel’s revelation underscores the personal connections and behind-the-scenes dialogues that often influence such high-stakes decisions in international football. It also reflects the enduring pull of the Super Eagles for players of Nigerian heritage, even after formal allegiance has been pledged elsewhere. The NFF’s pursuit of diaspora players continues to be a key aspect of its long-term team building strategy.