Super Eagles Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel Unveils His Top Five Nigerian Football Icons
In a recent interview, Super Eagles star Bright Osayi-Samuel, who plays for Birmingham City, shared his personal list of the five greatest players to have ever represented Nigeria on the football pitch. This revelation has ignited conversations across the sports community, particularly due to the omission of former midfielder and coach Finidi George.
Osayi-Samuel's National Team Journey and AFCON Performance
Osayi-Samuel, aged 28, earned his spot in the national team after an injury to Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa. He went on to feature in six matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco, where Nigeria secured a bronze medal by defeating Egypt in the third-place match, as reported by Sofa Score.
The Legendary Five: Yekini, Okocha, Kanu, Yobo, and Enyeama
During his appearance on Oma Sports TV, Osayi-Samuel explained his selections, starting with the late Rashidi Yekini. He noted that while he never had the chance to watch Yekini play, his father frequently praised the striker as one of Nigeria's all-time greats. Yekini is famously remembered as the first Nigerian to score at a FIFA World Cup.
The remaining four players on his list are:
- Austin "Jay Jay" Okocha: The former Fenerbahce and Bolton midfielder, whose legacy is still celebrated at Fenerbahce's training ground.
- Kanu Nwankwo: The Arsenal and Portsmouth forward, admired for his skill and contributions during his prime.
- Joseph Yobo: The former Everton defender and Super Eagles captain, whose picture also adorns the Fenerbahce training facilities.
- Vincent Enyeama: The Lille goalkeeper, whom Osayi-Samuel recalled watching in his youth.
Osayi-Samuel expressed personal admiration for Yobo, mentioning that he has sought advice from him and found him very supportive.
Notable Omission: Finidi George Sparks Debate
Conspicuously absent from Osayi-Samuel's list is Finidi George, a former Super Eagles midfielder who excelled as both a player and a coach. George played a key role in Nigeria's 1994 AFCON victory and later guided the national team to a second-place finish at the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, as highlighted by BBC reports. His exclusion has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, prompting discussions about the criteria for such selections.
Expert Analysis: Kayode Alakija Weighs In
Nigerian sports journalist Kayode Alakija, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, praised Osayi-Samuel's choices, stating that they reflect a deep understanding of Nigerian football history. Alakija emphasized that the selection covers all key positions on the field, from Yekini's striking prowess to Enyeama's goalkeeping excellence, and can withstand the test of time.
Osayi-Samuel's Future and Career Prospects
As of now, Bright Osayi-Samuel's contract with Fenerbahce expired on June 30, making him a free agent. Reports suggest he is considering a return to England, where he previously played for clubs like Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers, adding an element of uncertainty to his professional trajectory.
