Former Nigeria U-17 World Cup winner, Sambo Choji, has shared his thoughts on Bright Osayi-Samuel’s move to Birmingham City, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former FC Saarbrücken striker has expressed mixed emotions over the defender's decision to join the English Championship side.
Osayi-Samuel recently signed a three-year deal with Birmingham City after refusing to extend his stay with Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Speaking with Footy Africa, Choji said he understands Osayi-Samuel’s reasons but believes a Premier League move would have been more ideal.
“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,” the former international admitted.
“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.”
Osayi-Samuel, who spent the last three seasons with Fenerbahce, revealed that the club’s project and ambitions aligned with his personal goals.
“I think it’s the project. I spoke to the owner and the manager, and the ambitions of what they want to do intrigued me,” Osayi-Samuel said.
“They want to get straight to the Premier League, and that’s my ambition too. I want to play in the Premier League and show everyone what I can do.”
He added: “It shows that the club has confidence in you… now it’s my turn to repay the faith on the pitch.”
Birmingham City recently earned promotion to the Championship and have been active in the transfer market, with Osayi-Samuel expected to play a key role in their push for a Premier League return.
