Bright Osayi Samuel has set out the background to his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria, closing the door on England even though his football education was in the English system, Footynaija.com reports.
The Okija-born full back moved away from Nigeria at a young age and spent much of his childhood and teenage years in England, where his professional career began.
He came through the English leagues with spells at Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers. That path placed him in the group of dual eligible players often monitored by both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the English Football Association.
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Nigeria moved first at senior level, and Osayi Samuel made his international debut in 2022 during a friendly against Portugal.
Speaking recently on OmaSportsTV, the 28-year-old talked about the environment he grew up in away from the pitch, explaining how Nigerian culture remained central at home even while he lived in England.
“My friends have asked me this question as well,” he said. “For me, because I was so heavily influenced by my country, with my dad and mum immersing me in Nigerian culture, going to Nigerian weddings, enjoying the food and everything.”
Osayi-Samuel also described how exposure to international football in England made him understand the appeal of representing the Three Lions, but not enough to shift his direction.
“You start to see the value of playing for England,” he said.
Osayi Samuel also addressed the common argument that England offers a higher profile platform, but said this was not the full picture.
“Some people might say playing for England is better, but you do not get the other side of it,” he said. “In terms of the togetherness and the vibes, I do not think you would see that playing for England.”
