Nigeria's Super Eagles have been hit by major setbacks ahead of Tuesday's international friendly against Russia, with the squad depleted to 18 players due to club refusals and injuries. Captain Wilfred Ndidi is out with a knock sustained in last week's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau. Several other players, including Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ridwan Popoola, were not released by their clubs.
The absence of key players has weakened the Super Eagles, who will face Russia at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, a 2018 World Cup venue. Russia, on the other hand, have sent a warning to Nigeria's Super Eagles ahead of the friendly after thrashing Namibia 6-0 on Saturday. The Russians dominated the match, scoring five second-half goals to dismantle the Brave Warriors.
Lechi Sadulaev opened the scoring for Russia in the 37th minute, before Danil Prutsev, Konstantin Tyukavin, Maksim Glushenkov, Maksim Petrov, and an own-goal by Namibian keeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro completed the rout. Russia had 24 shots, 14 on target, while Namibia had zero shots on target. This statement result comes after Russia's FIFA ban in 2022, and they have now won their last four games, scoring 14 goals without defeat.
The Super Eagles, led by Head Coach Éric Chelle, have been forced to make late changes to their squad. Moses Usor, who scored on his debut against Madagascar on September 25, was blocked by his club LASK FC after a late call-up. Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague could not travel due to residency permit issues. In a boost to the team, late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov was expected to join the camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening.
The Super Eagles and Russia have a history of competitive matches, with the last encounter being a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow 16 months ago. The current squad includes 18 players, comprising goalkeepers Michael Atata, Samuel James, and Stanley Nwabali; defenders Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Abdullahi Bewene; midfielders Chibuzo Nwoke, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, and Aderemi Adeoye; and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, and Abdullahi Umar.
Despite the setbacks, the Super Eagles are expected to put up a strong performance against Russia. The team has a mix of experienced and young players, and they will look to make a statement against a strong Russian side. The friendly match will be an opportunity for the Super Eagles to test their skills and prepare for future competitions.
The match against Russia will take place on Tuesday, October 6, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The Super Eagles will look to bounce back from their recent setbacks and secure a positive result against a strong Russian side. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they look to assess the team's readiness for future competitions.
Key points
- The Super Eagles' friendly against Russia has been impacted by injuries and absences, with the squad depleted to 18 players.
- Russia have sent a warning to Nigeria's Super Eagles ahead of the friendly after thrashing Namibia 6-0 on Saturday.
- The Super Eagles and Russia have a history of competitive matches, with the last encounter being a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow 16 months ago.
