Birmingham City could be concerned about Bright Osayi-Samuel’s fitness following his strange international service withdrawal.

The full-back has been with the Nigeria national team in recent weeks, coming off the bench against Madagascar and starting in a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau.

However, he has withdrawn from the squad ahead of the final match of the September/October season.

The 28-year-old has been a steady presence for Chris Davies’ side this season, starting all eight Championship games.

The defender has played the full 90 minutes in the league on all but one occasion in 2026/27, so an injury would be a setback to the Midlands club.

Osayi-Samuel joined the Blues as a free agent in the summer of 2025, having previously played for Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Birmingham’s Bright Osayi-Samuel Concern

According to the Nigerian Guardian, Osayi-Samuel has inexplicably withdrew from Nigeria’s roster before the country’s final international encounter.

The Super Eagles have been left without a proper replacement, forcing them to scurry for a solution ahead of their clash on Tuesday.

This has generated fears that the 28-year-old is suffering from a fitness issue, which might jeopardise his place in the Birmingham squad ahead of the league’s return this weekend.

Bright Osayi-Samuel’s defensive numbers for 2026/27, according to Fotmob.com.

Stat

Per 90

Defensive contributions.

5.02

Tackles: 2.79

Interception rate: 0.14 Blocked shots

0.28

Fouls committed.

1.25

Recoveries

7.94

Possession won in the final third.

0.42

Dribbled past.

0.56

Clearances

1.81

Osayi-Samuel started 19 of his 27 Championship matches last season, although fitness difficulties prevented him from playing more.

But he has been a regular of Davies’ team in the early stages of this season, starting every league game thus far.

This is Birmingham’s second injury concern during this international window, following Paik Seung-ho’s withdrawal from the South Korean national team due to an issue.

However, the source and extent of the injuries have yet to be determined; more information is expected later this week.

Birmingham’s season-opener

Davies’ situation is under constant scrutiny as Birmingham prepares for the return of the Championship season.

The Blues are hoping for promotion this season, but have only won two of their first eight games.

The club has 11 points from a possible 24, placing them 10th in the table and six points behind leaders Swansea City.

Birmingham’s next match is against fifth-placed West Brom on October 10 at the Hawthorns, with a 12.30pm kickoff.

The last thing Chris Davies wants are rising injury concerns.

If Osayi-Samuel joins the list of Birmingham’s injured players, Davies will suffer a significant setback.

The Blues’ head coach is currently under intense pressure to provide results, which will be more difficult to do without important first-team players.

Davies has the option of relying on Ethan Laird, although he has also struggled with fitness concerns in the past.

Birmingham will hope that the situation with Osayi-Samuel and Paik is not too serious, as Davies needs everyone on board to help turn around the team’s uneven form.