Super Eagles of Nigeria Defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel received the first red card of his career as Fenerbahce secured a 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in their UEFA Europa League opener.
Fenerbahce kicked off their Europa League campaign on a high note with a win at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Thursday night. Çağlar Söyüncü opened the scoring in the 26th minute, converting a volley from a Rodrigo Franca Becao header.
Fenerbahce doubled their lead with just eight minutes remaining, thanks to an own goal by Christian Burgess, who deflected a shot from Osayi-Samuel into his net.
Union Saint-Gilloise pulled one back in the 93rd minute through Ross James Sykes, but Fenerbahce held on for the victory. Osayi-Samuel, making his return from injury after missing four league games, came on in the 65th minute, replacing Mert Müldür.
However, his comeback was overshadowed by a red card. He was first booked for time-wasting in the 87th minute and received a second yellow just three minutes later for a foul that resulted in a penalty. Fortunately for Fenerbahce, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved the spot-kick.
Before his injury, Osayi-Samuel had started four of Fenerbahce’s first six matches under new manager, Jose Mourinho. His return is a timely boost for Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, as Osayi-Samuel will strengthen the squad ahead of their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Libya.
Osayi-Samuel missed recent matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda due to his injury, but his availability will provide the Super Eagles with added depth.
