Wilfred Ndidi and Akpe Victory’s withdrawals have forced Eric Chelle into two surprise changes, Footynaija reports.
The setbacks have, however, simultaneously opened a potentially career-changing door for two Super Eagles newcomers ahead of Nigeria’s friendly against Russia.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Friday that Stade Reims midfielder John Otomewo and Tromsø centre-back Vince Osuji have been called up to replace Ndidi and Victory respectively. The changes come only four days before Nigeria face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6.
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Ndidi played all 90 minutes of Nigeria’s 2-1 AFCON 2027 qualifying victory over Madagascar before being withdrawn with about 15 minutes left in the 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau. His absence leaves Chelle without nine players from his preferred starting XI, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Otomewo now has an unexpected chance to step into the midfield picture. The 19-year-old joined Reims from Hapoel Jerusalem during the summer and has appeared as a substitute in seven Ligue 2 matches this season.
Osuji has also already made two appearances for the Norwegian club since his summer move. The young defender has received his first Super Eagles call-up, after Victory’s training-ground injury created space for the Tromsø defender.
Both Otomewo and Osuji were brought into a Russia squad deliberately designed to give less-established names an opportunity.
A strong showing in Nizhny Novgorod could therefore turn two emergency replacements into genuine contenders for future Super Eagles squads.
