Nigeria's Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly match, but the team has been weakened by several factors. Some clubs have refused to release their players, while others have been forced to withdraw due to injuries. Captain Wilfred Ndidi is out with a minor injury sustained during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was also prevented from traveling to Russia by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt.
Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were also stopped by their clubs from joining the team. Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe has been ruled out due to injury. Austria-based Moses Usor, who scored on his debut for Nigeria against Madagascar, was not originally listed for the trip but was later requested by Head Coach Éric Chelle, only to be told by LASK FC that he could not fly to Russia.
Suleiman Mubarak, invited from Slavia Prague in Czechia, was unable to travel to Russia due to issues with his resident permit. The situation has weakened the Nigeria squad for the encounter against Russia, with whom the Super Eagles battled to a 1-1 draw in another friendly in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium 16 months ago. The team will have to rely on a depleted squad to face 'The Boys'.
Late invitee, Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov of Russia, was expected to join the team camp in Nizhny Novgorod. The Super Eagles have a total of 18 players in Russia for the friendly match. The goalkeepers include Michael Atata, Samuel James, and Stanley Nwabali. The team will have to make do with the available players to achieve a good result against Russia.
The defenders in the Super Eagles squad include Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Abdullahi Bewene. The midfielders include Chibuzo Nwoke, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, and Aderemi Adeoye. The forwards include Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, and Abdullahi Umar.
Akor Adams, a forward for Venezia FC in Italy, has expressed optimism about the team's chances against Russia, despite the challenges faced by the squad. The Super Eagles will have to be at their best to overcome the weakened squad and achieve a good result against Russia.
The friendly match against Russia is an opportunity for the Super Eagles to test their skills and build confidence ahead of future matches. The team will have to work together to overcome the challenges and make the most of the available players. The match will also provide a chance for the players to gain experience and exposure against a top-level opponent.
Key points
- Club restrictions and injuries have weakened the Super Eagles squad ahead of the friendly match against Russia.
- The Super Eagles will have to rely on a depleted squad to face Russia.
- The friendly match against Russia is an opportunity for the Super Eagles to build confidence and gain experience.
