Abdullahi Bewene has returned to the Super Eagles after missing Nigeria’s September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the young defender now looking to make the most of another opportunity when Éric Chelle’s side face Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Baník Ostrava defender earned his first senior cap in June when Chelle handed him a surprise start against Poland in Warsaw. Bewene played the full 90 minutes as Nigeria twice took the lead before settling for a 2-2 draw. He also featured for 31 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to Portugal a week later.
His absence from the squad for the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau was a setback after making a strong first impression. Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, leaving Chelle with a lot to assess as he continues to build his squad.
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Bewene refuses to be intimidated by Russia
The 21-year-old has now been recalled for a younger-looking squad and sees the Russia fixture as another opportunity to establish himself under Chelle.
“I would have loved to make the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, but I am still happy to be part of this team,” Bewene told Footy-Africa.
He also knows the challenge awaiting Nigeria. Russia are playing at home and will enter the match with confidence after their recent 2-0 victory over Iran, but Bewene does not believe the Super Eagles should approach the game with fear.
“Russia at home are very dangerous and will cause us a lot of problems, but we will be ready for them. We respect them, but we do not fear anyone,” he said.
Footy-Africa reports that Bewene also welcomed Chelle’s decision to include several young players, saying the age profile of the squad shows the coach is already thinking about Nigeria’s future.
“We will give it our best shot and hopefully get something from the game,” he added.
Nigeria and Russia previously drew 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025, with Tolu Arokodare scoring the equaliser after Semi Ajayi’s own goal. Tuesday’s meeting will be the second between the sides in 16 months.
