£8.5m winger who was linked with Leeds move in January window has just made AFCON final

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Nigeria needed penalties during Wednesday night’s African Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa to secure a place in the final – with Leeds target Bright Osayi-Samuel lasting 120 minutes.

The first semi-final of two, saw a star-studded Nigeria side take on South Africa with the former likely to win. But this year’s AFCON has seen plenty of surprises. South Africa reaching the last four, being one.

Victor Osimhen won Nigeria a penalty which was duly dispatched by captain William Troost-Ekong – with a degree of luck. Nigeria thought they had double their lead through Osimhen late on, to win 2-0.

But dramatically, in the build up to the goal, VAR ruled the goal out and awarded a penalty to South Africa – Teboho Mokoena scoring. The game went to extra time, and then penalties. Nigeria winning.

Osayi-Samuel had only started one of Nigeria’s previous five games at AFCON before the semi-final, but was handed a start last night. He lasted the entire 120 minutes, subbed off in the last few seconds.

Leeds target Bright Osayi-Samuel in AFCON final with Nigeria

The 26-year-old winger that has often played at right-back since moving to Turkish side Fenerbahce in January 2021 – the 14-time Nigeria star has impressed. Six goals and assists in 24 for the Turkish giants.

At the start of January, with Leeds needing a new right-back, Osayi-Samuel was linked. Reports from Turkey said Wolves, Palace and Leeds were keen on Osayi-Samuel – with a fee of £8.6m required.

A move was always unlikely given his participation at AFCON and while that would not have prevented a deal from happening – it would have seen him remain unavailable until the middle of February, now.

Leeds instead signed Connor Roberts but Osayi-Samuel could remain a target come the summer, even if we gain promotion back to the Premier League. His display last night will certainly do him no harm.