Eguavoen names new Crawley Town defender as replacement for Bright Osayi-Samuel

Crawley Town’s new signing, Benjamin Tanimu, has been called up to the Super Eagles squad to replace Fenerbahçe fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Benin and Rwanda.

Osayi-Samuel, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, missed Fenerbahçe’s recent league games against Caykur Rizespor and Alanyaspor and will now be absent from the national team as well.

Osayi-Samuel was expected to compete with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina for the right-back position in the Super Eagles lineup, but his injury leaves Aina as the only natural right-back option for interim coach Austin Eguavoen. Tanimu, who primarily plays as a center-back, is versatile and can also fill in at right-back if needed.

The 22-year-old Tanimu has had a remarkable year, beginning with his move to Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars in February after impressing at Nigerian side Bendel Insurance.

His performances earned him a spot in the Super Eagles squad for international friendlies in March, and he also started in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Benin and South Africa in June.

Tanimu’s rise continued with a move to English League One side Crawley Town just before the transfer window closed, where he signed a two-year deal. Given his experience playing as a right-back against Benin and South Africa, it’s no surprise that he has been selected to step in for the injured Osayi-Samuel.