Osayi-Samuel shines as Birmingham draw 0-0 with Sheffield United

Bright Osayi-Samuel strengthened his claim for Nigeria’s right-back position with an impressive display as Birmingham City opened their Championship campaign with a 0-0 draw at Sheffield United. The defender’s 16 recoveries were the most recorded by any player across the English Football League on the opening weekend, five more than the next-best tally.

Osayi-Samuel played at right-back at Bramall Lane and was among Birmingham’s strongest performers in a match that ended without a goal. His showing gives Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle another reason to consider him ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Birmingham defender also made one clearance, won seven of his 12 duels, had 74 touches and completed two dribbles. Those contributions reflected an active performance in a contest where possession was repeatedly contested and neither side managed to find a decisive opening.

Osayi-Samuel has increasingly filled the right-back role for Nigeria when Ola Aina has been unavailable. Aina remains the established first-choice option when fit, but he has not played for the Super Eagles since the World Cup qualifying match against South Africa in September 2025. A hamstring injury kept him out for three months and contributed to his absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Aina has since missed further international windows, although he returned to Nottingham Forest’s pre-season programme and is fit again. His availability for the next qualifiers remains undecided, leaving Chelle with a selection issue that Osayi-Samuel’s latest performance has made more competitive.

Nigeria’s next competitive fixtures are in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Chelle also has Ryan Alebiosu, Benjamin Fredrick and Abdullahi Bewene as options at right-back, while Birmingham and Sheffield United begin the league season with a point apiece after their goalless draw.