Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has dismissed injury concerns after he came off during Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Algeria in their quarterfinal match on Saturday, SportPremi reports.
Th Birmingham City defender came off in the closing stages of the match with what looked like an injury, after an impressive shift on the right side of the defence.
The 28-year-old made his fourth start of the tournament in the clash and helped Nigeria to their second consecutive clean sheet as Algeria ended the match without an attempt on target.
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Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored for the Super Eagles in the second half as they secured a dominant 2-0 win to advance to the last four of the AFCON competition in Morocco.
Osayi-Samuel reacts to Nigeria’s win over Algeria
Speaking after the impressive performance from the Super Eagles as they advanced to the next round, Osayi-Samuel played down injury fears and expressed readiness for their next match.
“No, I had cramps, my toes were cold and I couldn’t lift them but I’ll be absolutely fine”, he said.
The defender was also involved in an altercation with Algerian winger Hadj Moussa during the second half, but expressed that he acted in the heat of the moment.
“He punched my face, he hit my face. I overreacted we were winning 2-0 so I should have just ignored it. I overreacted but its football you know.”
The 28-year-old hailed the entire team performance as they advanced to the next stage with one of their best displays in recent years.
“We focused on ourselves, I think the way we play, the formation and how we play and I think today especially Algeria didn’t play the way that they played against other teams because they faced a team that is possession based”, Osayi-Samuel added
“Our physicality was great today, they didn’t have a shot on target for a team that scores a lot of goals, so we know our strengths and we just focused on them.
“I think the fact that we are making chances is what is important and we converted two against a team that has only conceded one so it’s a great day.”
Nigeria will now face Morocco in the next round of the competition, the semifinals and the Birmingham City defender expects a tough test from the host nation.
“I mean to be fair, the Moroccans have supported us greatly and now we are playing their country. For us as players, it doesn’t affect us, we know what’s at stake and what’s important is the game. Put your performance and you do well, today we had a full house of Algerians, but we played well and focused on ourselves.
“Its a big opportunity for me. These are games I dream of and for me I want to win the AFCON and I have to take these opportunities, today I did that and the team did that. We take each game as they come and Morocco will be a different team because they have the fans with them.
It will be difficult, but we believe in ourselves. I think the way we are playing, Algeria didn’t have a shot on target today, so we keep believing in ourselves and keep doing what the manager wants us to do. We will beat Morocco too”, the 28-year-old concluded.
