Algeria 0-2 Nigeria: Forget Osimhen, let's talk about Osayi - Fans' MOTM

Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a performance so commanding in Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Algeria that fans have crowned him their unofficial man of the match, proving the Super Eagles have match-winners beyond their headline-grabbing striker.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's clinical 2-0 victory over Algeria, Bright Osayi-Samuel has emerged as one of the quarterfinal's standout performers.

Stepping in for the injured Ola Aina, and fierce competition from new boy Ryan Alebiosu, the Birmingham City full-back produced what many are calling a "defensive masterclass" in Marrakech.

The Birmingham defender's dominant display has sparked a social media outpouring of love from Nigerian supporters who can't stop raving about his defensive solidity, attacking threat, and sheer work rate against the Desert Foxes.

Osayi-Samuel was tasked with neutralising Algeria's most dangerous creative outlet. He executed the job to perfection, using his superior pace and physical strength to ensure the Algerian star Fares Chaibi made no significant impact.

He won 70% of his duels and was the most fouled player on the pitch, a testament to how difficult he was for the Algerian wingers to manage.

Speaking after the match, Osayi-Samuel sent a warning to Nigeria's next opponents with quiet confidence. A lot of people sleep on him, he noted, but Morocco will be thinking twice against the Super Eagles after witnessing his performance.

His performance earned him an 8/10 rating across several major sports outlets. The numbers tell the story of complete dominance:

• Recoveries: 7

• Blocks: 1

• Fouls: 5 (most fouled player)

• 6 passes into the final third

• 90% pass accuracy

• Completed the most dribbles: 2

• Clearances: 2

• Tackles: 4 successful out of 5 attempts

Work Rate: He covered more ground than any other Nigerian defender, making lung-busting runs to support the attack while recovering in time to stop counter-attacks

His performance was so dominant that it caught the eye of teammate Victor Boniface, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Boniface couldn't contain his admiration, taking to social media to celebrate the defender's brilliance at right-back with a heartfelt tribute.

“"Omo. Osayi for right back today,” Boniface posted on his official X, formerly Twitter, account.

Nigerian fans flooded social media with glowing reviews. One supporter declared Osayi-Samuel their clear man of the match, calling it his best performance in Super Eagles colours.

"Bright Osayi Samuel is my MOTM. Best performance for the NT.” Another fan, clearly impressed by his two-way contribution, praised how he absolutely carried his flank in both defence and attack, promising the defender that his efforts didn't go unnoticed even if the cameras focused elsewhere.

"Bright Osayi Samuel, I promise you even if nobody is watching, you've absolutely carried your flank both in defense and in attack"

The praise kept pouring in. One formerly skeptical fan issued a public apology for ever doubting the Birmingham man, while another simply exclaimed what a commanding presence he was, describing his display as absolute perfection. Perhaps most telling was the assessment that Osayi-Samuel might just be Nigeria's most improved player at this tournament.

“"Osayi Samuel might be our most improved player."

With injuries to Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick, Osayi-Samuel has transitioned from a backup to an "untouchable" starter in Eric Chelle's 4-4-2 diamond system.

His ability to provide width on the right allows Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams to drift inside and support Victor Osimhen.

For once, the spotlight shifted away from Nigeria's goal-scoring heroes to a defender who proved that champions are built on solid foundations.

With the Super Eagles facing Morocco in their next challenge, Osayi-Samuel has shown he's ready for whatever comes next.