Super Eagles right-back Osayi-Samuel picks up first red card of his career as Fenerbahce beat Union SG

Super Eagles fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel received the first red card of his career as Fenerbahce triumphed over Union Saint-Gilloise in their UEFA Europa League opener.

Fenerbahce began its Europa League campaign on a positive note, securing a 2-1 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Thursday night.

Çağlar Söyüncü opened the scoring for Fenerbahce in the 26th minute, volleying home after Rodrigo Franca Becao delivered a cut-back header to him in the box.

Fenerbahce doubled their lead with eight minutes remaining when Christian Burgess scored an own goal, directing the ball into his own net from a shot by Osayi-Samuel inside the box.

Ross James Sykes pulled one back for Union Saint-Gilloise in the 93rd minute, beating goalkeeper Livakovic.

Osayi-Samuel made his comeback from injury in the 65th minute, replacing Mert Müldür after missing the last four league matches due to an injury.

Unfortunately, his return was marred by a red card : he received a yellow for time-wasting in the 87th minute and was sent off just three minutes later for a foul that resulted in a penalty, which Dominik Livakovic  saved.

Before his spell on the sidelines, Osayi-Samuel had started four of the first six matches contested by Fenerbahce under new coach Jose Mourinho. 

His return will be a boost for Super Eagles interim manager Austin Eguavoen as he prepares for the upcoming double-header against Libya.

Osayi missed the recent matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda due to injury, and his return will strengthen the squad.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: fenerbahce.org

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