Bright Osayi-Samuel celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the last week of the Turkish Super Lig football match between Fenerbahce and Istanbulspor. (Photo by Serhat Cagdas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
José Mourinho has signed a contract as Fenerbahçe’s head coach, agreeing to a two-year deal that will see him stay until June 2026.
The former Manchester United coach will replace İsmail Kartal, who was relieved of his duties after Fenerbahçe finished second in the Turkish Super Lig for the third consecutive year.
Mourinho’s appointment will see Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel play under the Portuguese, marking a significant development in his career.
Osayi versatility across positions makes him valuable and also stands to gain immensely from Mourinho’s managerial expertise.
Osayi-Samuel’s ability to switch between defensive and midfield positions will align perfectly with the Champions League winner’s tactical principles.
Mourinho also has a well-documented history of working successfully with African players.
Nigerian Players Mourinho Has Worked With
Mourinho has worked with several Nigerian players, each making a significant impact under his guidance.
At Chelsea, he managed John Obi Mikel, transforming him from an attacking midfielder into a reliable defensive midfielder, though some believe Mikel did not live up to his full potential under Mourinho’s system, which aimed to replace Claude Makélélé.
Mourinho also managed Victor Moses at Chelsea. Although Moses was loaned out to Liverpool, Stoke, and West Ham during Mourinho’s tenure, he rejected the chance to return to Chelsea in January 2015, despite Mourinho’s attempts to recall him.
Celestine Babayaro was also coached by Mourinho in 2004, with the left-back praising Mourinho for his detailed and brilliant approach to football.
“Jose, like he called himself the special one, was brilliant. He opened my eyes to a lot of things in football, the man is down to details especially if it comes to training,” Babayaro had said.
Benefit for the Super Eagles
Mourinho’s arrival at Fenerbahçe could significantly impact not only Osayi-Samuel’s club career but also his role in the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
Osayi-Samuel stands to benefit immensely from Mourinho’s guidance, which could enhance the Super Eagles’ style of play and tactical approach.
This development could improve the overall performance of the Super Eagles, with Osayi-Samuel being a vital player.
With Nigeria’s potential qualification for the World Cup and AFCON, Osayi-Samuel could play a key role in helping the three-time African champions go far in their campaigns.
Osayi-Samuel’s Contract Extension with Fenerbahçe
Fenerbahçe’s management has opened discussions with Osayi-Samuel over a contract extension.
The Nigerian defender, who has been linked with a move away from Fenerbahçe, currently has one year left on his contract.
Despite the interest from several English clubs, Osayi-Samuel is set to play under Mourinho during the preseason, whether he stays or not.
