Super Eagles star found guilty of assault in Turkish court over Trabzonspor pitch invasion

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has found himself at the wrong end of the Turkish law for an incident that happened two years ago, Afrik-Foot reports.

A Turkish court has delivered its long-awaited verdict on the chaotic scenes that followed a league match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe in March 2024, with Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel among the players sanctioned.

The ruling, handed down by the Trabzon 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance, found Osayi-Samuel and two of his former Fenerbahçe team-mates guilty of what was described as ‘simple assault’. This is according to Turkish media outlet, Gazete Gercek.

Each player was fined 6,000 Turkish Lira (about €116), a relatively small financial penalty that reflects the lower limit for the offence.

Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde was fined twice, 6,000 TL for each of two separate incidents, while goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat also received a 6,000 TL fine.

However, the court also ruled that the announcement of the verdict would be postponed for five years. Under Turkish law, this means the punishment will not be enforced and will not appear on the players’ criminal records, provided they do not commit another offence during that period.

The case stems from dramatic scenes at Papara Park on March 17, 2024. After Fenerbahçe secured a 3-2 victory, home supporters invaded the pitch, confronting and attacking away players who were celebrating at full-time.

Osayi-Samuel was filmed during the incident punching a masked supporter who had approached him and his team-mates. The Nigerian defender maintained throughout the process that his actions were in self-defence, taken in a moment of chaos as players tried to protect themselves.

Reports at the time suggested some of the invading fans were armed with objects such as corner flags, while fears were raised about more dangerous items. The disorder quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents in Turkish football that season, prompting both legal and disciplinary investigations.

Life after Turkey: Super Eagles’ Osayi-Samuel back in England

While the legal process has now concluded, Osayi-Samuel’s career has already moved on from the controversy.

The 26-year-old left Fenerbahçe as a free agent in the summer of 2025, bringing an end to his time in Turkey after several seasons as a key player. He has since returned to England, where he now plays for Birmingham City in the Championship.

His move back to English football has offered a fresh start following the events in Trabzon. Although his season has included injuries and spells out of the starting line-up, he has remained an important squad member, valued for his energy, versatility and defensive work.

Osayi-Samuel’s performances at international level have also ensured his reputation remains strong. With the Nigeria national football team, he continues to play a key role, particularly noted for his tactical discipline and ability to contribute in both defence and attack.

The former Queens Park Rangers winger was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in January.