Former Golden Eaglets star Sambo Choji has questioned Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel’s decision to join English Championship side Birmingham instead of moving to a Premier League team.
The Nigerian international joined Birmingham on a three-year deal following the conclusion of his contract at Fenerbahce.
The 27-year-old moves to St Andrew’s after making 178 appearances in four and a half years for the side now coached by Jose Mourinho following his move from Queens Park Rangers in January 2021.
Reacting to his move, Choji, who won the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup, told Footy Africa that he expected Osayi-Samuel to have moved to the Premier League.
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“I do not know the financial details of the deal which took Bright (Osayi-Samuel) to Birmingham City, but I have mixed feelings about it.
“Maybe he wanted to be closer to home because he grew up in England and played there, so that might be a key reason. Most times, footballers play better when they are with or near their loved ones, so that may be a factor that influenced his return to England and to Birmingham City.
“He is a good defender, and I was hoping some of the clubs in the Premier League would have signed him. But that is not the case now. I am sure he will do well with the team and help them win games and hopefully gain promotion to the Premier League.”
Recall that Osayi-Samuel has made 22 appearances for Nigeria since his debut in 2022, and was part of the squad which finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
