AFCON 2023: “We will do our best” – Bright Osayi-Samuel reinstates confidence in Super Eagles ahead of Ivory Coast game

Bright Osayi-Samuel has scored two goals and created another in thirteen games for Fernabache in the Turkish Super Lig this season.

Super Eagles and Fernabache right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel has reinstated his confidence in the Nigerian football team after their draw against Equatorial Guinea, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles were wasteful in front of goal, and couldn’t find the clinical edge to put the team a goal up, while Equatorial Guinea remained solid at the back, with their goalkeeper, Jesus Owono winning the man of the match award.

Osayi came on in the 83rd minute, replacing Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina for the final seven minutes of the game, but couldn’t do enough to turn the game around for Jose Peseiro’s men.

Speaking in his post-match presser, the 26-year-old versatile footballer mentioned how he felt following the draw.

“Honestly of course we wanted to win, it’s a bit disappointing because a big nation like us every game we are expected to win. If you look at Egypt, how they lost their first game and got to the final last AFCON. So for me I think of course we want to win but we shouldn’t put our heads down too much,” the former QPR man said.

Osayi has been linked with a return to England with Leeds and Crystal Palace reportedly interested, but his focus is on Nigeria’s game against Ivory Coast on Thursday.

“We have a game in the next four days and I believe in everyone in this team and I think next game will be a reaction. I believe that with the squad that we have the game against Ivory Coast we will do our best, when we play against those big teams that’s when we do better we know what it takes and everyone is confident,” he added.

Osayi-Samuel is a versatile player, capable of playing the right-back and the right winger position effectively.