Bright Osayi-Samuel and Gabriel Gudmundsson battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round: Second Leg match between Fenerbahce and Lille FC at Ulker Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. (Photo by Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images)
Fenerbahce’s hopes of advancing in the UEFA Champions League were dashed on Tuesday, as they were eliminated from the qualifiers despite a valiant effort from Super Eagles right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Osayi-Samuel, who previously played for Queens Park Rangers, featured in the match for 57 minutes, completing 20 passes.
He nearly put Fenerbahce ahead in the first half with a powerful long-range strike that rattled the woodwork, leaving the opposing goalkeeper beaten.
This appearance marks Osayi-Samuel’s fourth game under manager Jose Mourinho this season, with three in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and one in the domestic league.
Despite losing the first leg 2-1, Fenerbahce managed a 1-1 draw after extra time in the second leg.
The Turkish side seemed poised to advance when a late own goal by Bafode Diakite forced extra time.
However, their hopes were dashed when Lille was awarded a controversial penalty for a handball by Jayden Oosterwolde, which Jonathan David converted.
With a 3-2 aggregate loss, Fenerbahce exit the Champions League and will continue their European campaign in the Europa League.
