Exclusive: Bright Osayi-Samuel Opens Up on Ambitious Birmingham City Project

At 27, Bright Osayi-Samuel is stepping into the prime of his career; and he’s doing it with a bold leap back into English football. 

After four transformative years in Turkey, the Nigerian international has signed for Birmingham City, a newly promoted side with big ambitions and a clear plan.

In this exclusive chat, Osayi-Samuel shares the reasons behind his move, what excites him about the Birmingham project, and how his time in Turkey; especially under the legendary José Mourinho, has shaped him for this next chapter.

Why Birmingham? Why Now?

After spells at QPR and Fenerbahçe, some might have expected a Premier League club to be the next destination. But for Osayi-Samuel, the pull of Birmingham City’s vision was stronger than any outside noise.

"I think it's the project," he told SportsBoom.com. 

"I spoke to the owner, I spoke to the manager, and it's just a project of the ambitions of what they want to do. Of course, they did well last season in getting promoted, and their ambition is not just to compete but to get straight to the Premier League. Those are my ambitions too."

"I want to play in the Premier League and show everyone what I can do, and I think Birmingham City are giving me a platform to showcase that."

Osayi-Samuel is clear: this isn’t just a career pit stop. It’s a calculated step with a long-term vision in mind.

“My Best Football is Still Ahead of Me”

Despite a career that already includes European football, international experience with Nigeria, and domestic success in Turkey, Osayi-Samuel is convinced the best is yet to come.

"Absolutely. I'm a very confident player and I believe in my ability," he said.

"I feel like coming here I can help improve the team to achieve those ambitions, and like I said, I just can't wait to get started."

His enthusiasm is infectious; a sign of a player hungry to make an immediate impact.

“We Want to Win. Every Game.”

For Osayi-Samuel, success at Birmingham won’t just be measured by league position; it’s about mentality.

"First, to win every game. My ambition is to win every game, attack, make teams fear us from the first minute and keep a consistent run."

"From my experience before, the Championship is a long season and I feel like the team with the most consistent wins are always the ones up there. So those are my ambitions, to make sure we win consistently and make teams fear us, home and away."

That mindset aligns seamlessly with Birmingham’s own targets: not just survival in the Championship, but promotion straight to the Premier League.

No Fixed Position, Just One Condition

Few players are as versatile as Osayi-Samuel, who has evolved across multiple roles; from left-wing to right-back.

"I started as a winger on the left, then I moved on the right, then I played as a wing-back and now I'm a right-back," he said.

"For me, I don't really have a preferred position; as long as they don't put me as a keeper or centre-back, I'm fine."

"Sometimes I can play left-back as well. It's just for me to have an opportunity to play and show everyone what I can do, and that's it really."

His adaptability will be a huge asset for Birmingham across a demanding Championship season.

Mourinho Made Me Grow

One of the most fascinating parts of Osayi-Samuel’s story is his recent time under José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe; a period he says matured him both on and off the pitch.

"It's been great, you know, playing for the biggest team in Turkey by a margin; it's an honour," he said.

"I learnt so much, I felt like I was a kid and they turned me into a man. I'm very grateful and honoured to Fenerbahçe. They've done so much for me and I've learnt so much."

"Playing in European competitions, playing alongside big players; I think all this is experience now and it's made me improve a lot."

Now, he’s bringing that maturity and experience to Birmingham.

"Coming to Birmingham City is now another step for me, an opportunity to show everyone where I've been in the last four years really."

Bright Still Shining for Nigeria; The Road Ahead 

Osayi-Samuel remains one of the most exciting and versatile Nigerian internationals in Europe. His move to Birmingham City doesn’t just reset his club career; it may rejuvenate his standing within the Super Eagles setup too, with regular minutes and a central role in a competitive league.

There’s a quiet intensity about Bright Osayi-Samuel; a confidence that doesn’t demand headlines but insists on progress. And with Birmingham City aiming high, he’s found the perfect platform to express that ambition.

From Istanbul to St. Andrew’s, the next chapter begins; and Bright is determined to make it his most important one yet.