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Nigeria’s preparations for Friday’s international friendly against Russia have been hit by a wave of player withdrawals, forcing Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle into several last-minute changes, Footynaija.com reports.
A host of key stars — including Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, and Sadiq Umar — will miss the tie due to injuries, personal commitments, or administrative issues.
As a result, Chelle has reshuffled his squad, handing a first senior call-up to former Nigeria U20 winger Olakunle Olusegun, who plies his trade with Russian Premier League side FC Krasnodar.
The Eagles drip and win. #SoarSuperEagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/kcrhhWELNt
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 1, 2025
The goalkeeping department remains unchanged, with Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie set to compete for the starting spot. First-choice Stanley Nwabali was not included due to the funeral rites of his late parents.
Defensively, captain William Troost-Ekong is joined by Bright Osayi-Samuel and Unity Cup trio Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu. Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina is out, prompting call-ups for Unity Cup standouts Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredrick, the latter having impressed on his debut against Jamaica.
Enugu Rangers midfielder Saviour Isaac steps in for the injured Ndidi, joining a midfield that includes Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The Nigeria Football Federation extends heartfelt gratitude to our incredible fans who came out in full force at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium to cheer the Super Eagles to victory over Ghana and Jamaica!
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 2, 2025
Your energy, passion, and patriotism helped us retain the trophy we… pic.twitter.com/nPZ5G0Ds8J
With Chukwueze, Iheanacho and Sadiq unavailable and Tella stuck due to a passport issue, Chelle’s frontline is trimmed to Victor Boniface, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare.
The squad landed in Moscow on Monday and begins training on Tuesday. The high-profile clash will be staged at the iconic 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium.
SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY:
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford FC, England)
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)
Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia)
