The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Russia in an international friendly match on Tuesday with a depleted squad. The team's captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has been ruled out of the match due to a minor injury sustained during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau last week. This is not the only setback for the team, as several other players have been prevented from joining the squad due to various reasons.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was stopped from traveling to Russia by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were also prevented from joining the team by their respective clubs. Furthermore, Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe has been ruled out of the match due to an injury. These absences have significantly weakened the Super Eagles squad ahead of the friendly match against Russia.
The situation has been further complicated by the refusal of some clubs to release their players for the international friendly. Austria-based Moses Usor, who scored on his debut for Nigeria against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, 2026, was not originally listed for the trip but was later requested by Head Coach Éric Chelle. However, LASK FC informed him that he should not fly to Russia. Suleiman Mubarak, invited from Slavia Prague in Czechia, was also unable to travel to Russia due to issues with his resident permit.
In light of these setbacks, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has called up late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov of Russia, who was expected to join the team camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening. The Super Eagles previously faced Russia in a friendly match 16 months ago, ending in a 1-1 draw at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. The team will be looking to bounce back from the challenges faced in preparing for this match.
The Super Eagles squad currently in Russia for the friendly match comprises 18 players. The goalkeepers are Michael Atata (Ikorodu City), Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland), and Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa). The defenders include Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), and Abdullahi Bewene (FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia).
The midfielders in the current squad are Chibuzo Nwoke (Fulham FC, England), Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF, Denmark), Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund FC, Norway), and Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City). The forwards include Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor FC, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy), Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal), Abubakar Umar (FC Famalicao, Portugal), and Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia).
The Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong impression against Russia despite the challenges faced in assembling a full-strength squad. The team's performance in this friendly match will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they seek to gauge the team's preparedness for future competitions. The match against Russia provides an opportunity for the team to test their skills and strategies against a top opponent.
Key points
- The Super Eagles squad has been weakened by player injuries and club refusals.
- The team will be without several key players, including captain Wilfred Ndidi and midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
- The friendly match against Russia provides an opportunity for the team to test their skills and strategies against a top opponent.
