Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

English FA ban Osayi-Samuel

Osayi-Samuel

The English Football Association, allnigeriasoccer.com reports, has suspended super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel.

The Birmingham City right-back picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during Tuesday night’s 1–0 away victory over Preston North End, earning a one-match suspension under FA disciplinary rules.

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 accumulates five yellow cards before matchday nineteen is automatically banned for one game.

As a result, the number 26 will be unavailable for selection when Birmingham City travels to Bristol City on Saturday.

Osayi-Samuel was initially not expected to start at Deepdale but was drafted into the lineup at the last minute after Patrick Roberts sustained an injury during the warm-up.

Having recently returned from a layoff, the Nigerian international was substituted eight minutes into the second half to manage his workload.

Prior to the Preston clash, the Blackpool academy product had been booked against Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Swansea City.

Provided he remains fit, Osayi-Samuel is expected to be in contention for a recall to the Nigeria squad ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff tie against Gabon, after missing the October internationals through injury.