Sam Obisanya's decision to stay at Richmond was not only the right choice for his character but a typically heartwarming way for his Ted Lasso season 2 arc to finish. The rise of Apple TV's Ted Lasso has been nothing short of meteoric, with the sports comedy-drama taking home a dominant eight Primetime Emmy Awards in 2021. Ted Lasso has built upon its affable ensemble during season 2, with many of its main characters undergoing emotional upheaval in a bid to become more well-rounded people and find happiness.
This statement is no truer than when considering Ted Lasso favorite Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh), AFC Richmond's marauding Nigerian right-back, who has experienced a tumultuous season even by Ted Lasso's emotive standards. Sam has had to contend with a forbidden, on-again, off-again love affair with Richmond owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), as well as professional overtures from Ghanaian billionaire Edwin Akufo (Sam Richardson). Akufo attempts to convince Sam to relocate to his newly formed African club Casablanca F.C., giving the young man just three days to weigh up his life-altering offer.
Sam ultimately decides to stay at AFC Richmond in the Ted Lasso season 2 finale, undoubtedly the right choice for his character. The adoration that Sam receives from the Richmond team and fans, coupled with the personal growth he has engendered while under Ted's leadership, makes staying a no-brainer. Sam is a do-gooder at heart and during the episode, he realizes the impact he's had on the Black youth of London without even being aware of it. Sam and Rebecca's relationship may yet also bear less heartbreaking fruit, cementing the assured nature of his decision even before factoring in Edwin Akufo's true colors.
Sam's decision to stay at AFC Richmond is almost immediately vindicated during "Inverting the Pyramid of Success," when his measured and humble response to Akufo is met with a comical tirade from the billionaire. Akufo's true personality rises to the surface of his previously confident facade, revealing a petty and insecure man who certainly does not have Sam's best interests at heart.
Yet Sam's decision in Ted Lasso to stay in London rather than relocating to Africa would still be the right choice even if Akufo was a better man. Sam's decision to stay is made as he walks through Hyde Park and sees a group of teenagers playing soccer. He spots one teenager–specifically a Black teenager–wearing his Richmond shirt, which becomes a eureka moment for the young footballer. In this frame, he realizes the adoration and sense of community he has been seeking since his transfer from Nigeria has inexorably built around him at AFC Richmond, and that he must stay as a result.
Sam, of course, has another reason to cement his decision to stay in London (despite his protestations to the contrary) in the form of Rebecca. The pair's relationship is currently on ice, but the love between Sam and Rebecca is thinly veiled, and even if their romance is somewhat taboo, the pair will surely reconcile in Ted Lasso season 3. Yet Sam's assertion that he chose to stay because of his personal journey is ultimately the best possible reason he could have for deciding to stay at Richmond. The Sam Obisanya of season 1 was a sweet yet reserved character, a violet shrinking in a heated dressing room of big figures such as Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster). Sam's journey to this point has been one of self-discovery, so it is fitting that his decision to stay at the end of Ted Lasso season 2 is based on what is best for him.