Bright Osayi-Samuel has acknowledged his admiration for South Africa’s performance despite Nigeria’s victory in the semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles secured their place in the AFCON final after a penalty shootout, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s decisive kick.

Osayi-Samuel, benefiting from Zaidu Sanusi’s absence due to injury, was deployed as a right wing-back with Ola Aina covering for the injured Fenerbahce defender. The Blackpool Academy product highlighted the strong camaraderie within the South Africa team, with ten Mamelodi Sundowns players named in the squad.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Osayi-Samuel praised South Africa’s cohesive play, emphasizing the chemistry among their players. He commended Nigeria’s resilience and teamwork, crediting the execution of their game plan.

Expressing his joy at reaching his first major final with the Super Eagles, Osayi-Samuel emphasized the team’s readiness for the upcoming championship match. He highlighted the squad’s growth throughout the tournament, particularly in defense, and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to score.

Despite being a relatively new addition to the Super Eagles, Osayi-Samuel conveyed his excitement about the team’s progress and emphasized their determination to secure victory in the final.