The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face a significantly weakened squad in their upcoming international friendly against Russia on Tuesday. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced on Sunday that several key players have been ruled out due to injuries, club restrictions, and travel documentation issues. This development has left head coach Éric Chelle with limited options ahead of the encounter. The team is set to face Russia, nicknamed the Boys, in their second meeting in 16 months.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the players who will miss the friendly due to a minor injury sustained during Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau last week. Additionally, midfielder Raphael Onyedika will not be able to travel as his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, has reportedly stopped him from joining the squad. Other players, including defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, were also prevented from traveling by their clubs.
The injury list has been further compounded by the absence of Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe. Furthermore, Moses Usor, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September, will not be able to join the team as his Austrian club, LASK, declined to release him for the trip to Russia. Suleiman Mubarak, invited from Czech club Slavia Prague, also could not travel due to not having secured his residence permit.
The withdrawals have left Chelle with a significantly reduced squad, comprising only 18 players. The available players include three goalkeepers, five defenders, four midfielders, and six forwards. The NFF disclosed that late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of Russian club FC Rostov was expected to join the team's camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening. This addition may provide some respite for the coach, but the team's overall preparation remains a challenge.
The Super Eagles previously met Russia in June 2025, playing out a 1-1 draw at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria's equalizer after Semi Ajayi's own goal had given the hosts the lead. The team will look to build on that performance, albeit with a much-depleted squad. The friendly match will serve as a crucial test for the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming competitions.
The 18-man squad in Russia includes goalkeepers Michael Atata, Samuel James, and Stanley Nwabali. Defenders Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Abdullahi Bewene make up the defensive unit. The midfielders include Chibuzo Nwoke, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, and Aderemi Adeoye. Forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, and Abdullahi Umar will form the attacking lineup.
The Super Eagles will look to make the most of the available squad members and still put up a good performance against Russia. Despite the setbacks, the team remains determined to make a positive impact in the friendly match. The encounter will provide an opportunity for the players to showcase their skills and for the coach to assess the team's readiness for upcoming competitions.
Key points
- The Super Eagles will be without several key players due to injuries and club restrictions.
- The team has been reduced to 18 players, comprising three goalkeepers, five defenders, four midfielders, and six forwards.
- The friendly match against Russia will serve as a crucial test for the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming competitions.
