Fenerbahce coach Mourinho to make late decision on availability of Osayi-Samuel for Alanyaspor clash 

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho will make a late decision regarding the availability of Bright Osayi-Samuel for the Turkish Super Lig clash against Alanyaspor clash at Ülker Stadium Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex.

The former Queens Park Rangers winger was not called up for the last league game played by the Yellow Canaries, against Rizespor on August 25, 2024, due to an ankle injury he suffered on matchday two at Göztepe.

According to multiple press reports in Turkey, including NTVSpor, Portuguese football tactician Mourinho will assess the fitness of the Nigeria international in the last training session, at match time, before deciding whether to include him in the squad to face Alanyaspor.

However, there is a bit of positive news regarding the availability of the defender for Friday evening's game as he has started individual training.

New Nigeria boss Bruno Labbadia will be monitoring developments in Istanbul with interest, having selected the fullback in his 23-man squad list for next month's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Republic of Benin and Rwanda. 

Although Osayi-Samuel has started each of the last four matches played by the national team, he acted as back-up to Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Prior to his spell on the sidelines, the Blackpool academy graduate played in five games under Mourinho, four of which he started.

If Osayi-Samuel receives the green light from Fenerbahce medical team, he is expected to report for international duty in Uyo on Monday, September 2.

After three games in the Super Lig, Fenerbahce are topping the table with seven points following wins against Adana Demirspor and Rizespor and a draw in their first away game of the season at Göztepe.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com