The Bluebirds centre-back admits his switch to south Wales failed to produce the immediate impact he had been targeting after arriving from French top-flight side Auxerre last summer.
The 27-year-old returned to the EFL little more than a year after leaving Luton Town on a free transfer, with Cardiff committing to him on a long-term contract as part of Brian Barry-Murphy’s rebuild.
The League One leaders welcome fourth-placed Stockport County on Saturday, with Barry-Murphy eager for his side to continue what he has described as an “upward trajectory”.
The Bluebirds hold a three-point advantage over second-placed Lincoln, who closed the gap with a midweek win over Burton but have played a game more.
Cardiff sit 10 points clear of Stockport and know that avoiding defeat would extend their unbeaten league run to seven matches.
However, the opening chapter of Osho’s League One campaign was a testing one.
A penalty conceded on his first start against Bradford was followed by what he labelled “tough games” against Leyton Orient and Reading as he found it hard to find his footing.
“I've watched my performances back from those games a hundred times,” said Osho.
“Maybe it was a bit in my head and when it's in your head then it starts to affect your performance even more.”
READ MORE: The Wheels Seem to be Staying Firmly on at Cardiff City
The Nigeria international admitted the early setbacks made settling in more difficult than he would have liked.
“When you go into a new place, you really need to hit the ground running - to earn respect from your teammates, the fans and the coaches,” he said.
“When you haven't done that, and you're making mistakes you know you shouldn't be making, it's tough to settle in.”
READ MORE: Brian Barry-Murphy Insists Source of Cardiff City's Resurgence is Substance, not Style
Osho will be a key man for the rest of the campaign, but his frustrations deepened in October when he was withdrawn at half-time against former club Reading.
His efforts to force his way back into the side were then interrupted by a dislocated toe suffered in an EFL Trophy match against Wimbledon, an injury that sidelined him for three weeks and has limited him to eight league appearances so far.
Still, Osho feels he has come through the toughest stretch.
“As long as you don't give up,” he said after completing back-to-back full matches.
“You hope the real you and your actual ability will shine through eventually.”
READ MORE: Brian Barry-Murphy Insists Cardiff City can Prove Worthy Leaders as Promotion Race Intensifies
Encouraging signs have followed. In Cardiff’s recent win at Bradford, Osho recorded 11 clearances and won every ground duel he contested, underlining the qualities Barry-Murphy believes he brings to the squad.
“One notably good game from my personal standards is the Bradford game,” Osho added.
“But I still have to work and keep motivated to show everyone what I can do.”
Barry-Murphy has been candid about the defender’s early struggles and admitted he may have thrown him in too quickly.
“I rushed him a bit,” the Cardiff boss admitted.
“Football's not always straightforward and it's unpredictable. The games didn't go how he wanted, so he had to go back to basics and really work at every part of his game - his position, how he defends the box, how he blocks.”
The head coach believes that hard work is now paying off.
“Once he gets real rhythm in training and a real understanding that he's done the work, the game normally follows,” he added.
“He's worked so hard to put himself back in a position where he can perform like he has done in the past games.”
Osho made 21 appearances for Auxerre during his lone season in Ligue 1, helping them to a secure mid-table finish. While the move down to League One raised eyebrows, he insists the challenge remains intense.
“The intensity is really good,” he said.
“When I came here it was intense - especially the training sessions.”
Now back in the frame and pushing for a regular place, Osho is keen to ensure his difficult opening months fade into the background as Cardiff look to build momentum.
