Crawley Town new boy takes Osayi-Samuel's spot in Super Eagles squad for 2025 Afconq 

Crawley Town new boy signing Benjamin Tanimu has replaced Fenerbahçe fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel in the Super Eagles squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualification games against Benin and Rwanda.

Osayi-Samuel has missed Fenerbahçe's last two league games against Caykur Rizespor and Alanyaspor due to an ankle injury and will now be missing in action for the Super Eagles in the upcoming games. 

He should have vied with Nottingham Forest fullback Ola Aina for the right-back position for the upcoming games, though the latter can also play in the opposite flank.

In his absence, interim coach Austin Eguavoen has now been left with Aina as the only natural right-back option in the squad, though Tanimu, who is predominantly a centre-back, can also play in that position.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a steady rise this year, making a move to Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars in February after impressing for Nigerian outfit Bendel Insurance.

He got his first call-up to the Super Eagles for the international friendly games played in March and started the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification games against Benin and South Africa in June.

Before the closure of the transfer window, he was able to secure a move to League One side Crawley Town, inking a two-year deal with the English side. 

The former Bendel Insurance star played as a right back against the Cheetahs and the Bafana Bafana back in June and it is not a surprise that he has been chosen to replace the injured Osayi-Samuel.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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