English FA bans Super Eagles’ Bright Osayi-Samuel
Super Eagles and Birmingham City defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has been suspended by the English Football Association (FA).
The right-back picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during Tuesday night’s 1-0 away victory over Preston North End, triggering a one-match suspension under FA disciplinary rules.
Caution leads to automatic suspension
Making his first Championship start since September 30, Osayi-Samuel was cautioned in the 12th minute for pulling back Preston striker Daniel Jebbison.
According to FA regulations, any player who collects five yellow cards before matchday nineteen is automatically banned for one game.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Getty image
As a result, the number 26 will miss Birmingham City’s trip to Bristol City on Saturday.
Late inclusion and controlled return
Osayi-Samuel was a late addition to the starting lineup at Deepdale after Patrick Roberts sustained an injury during the warm-up.
Having recently returned from a spell on the sidelines, the Nigerian international was substituted eight minutes into the second half as part of load management.
Prior to the Preston clash, the Blackpool academy graduate had received bookings against Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, and Swansea City.
Potential Super Eagles recall
If he stays fit, Osayi-Samuel is expected to be in contention for a recall to the Nigeria national team ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff tie against Gabon, having missed the October internationals due to injury.
