Ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Russia in Moscow, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the withdrawal of six key Super Eagles players due to a combination of injuries and personal commitments. The team touched down in Moscow on Monday, but the squad list has since undergone significant changes.
Players excused from the trip include Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, and Nathan Tella. According to the NFF, Aina voluntarily withdrew from the match, while Ndidi’s injury paved the way for Enugu Rangers’ midfielder Saviour Isaac to join the squad. Isaac, a vital part of the Eagles B team preparing for the African Nations Championship finals in August, will now compete for a midfield spot alongside Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha.
Meanwhile, Chukwueze and Iheanacho have pulled out citing family matters, and Spain-based Sadiq Umar has been sidelined by injury. Nathan Tella, who holds a UK passport, was unable to travel as his travel documents are currently being renewed.
Coach Eric Chelle has called up the Unity Cup standout duo of Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredericks to bolster the squad. Defensively, captain William Ekong and Bright Osayi-Samuel will lead the backline in Moscow, supported by Unity Cup performers Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, and Igoh Ogbu.
The striking options have been reduced to Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare. To strengthen the frontline, Chelle has also included Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar FC and is a former junior international.
In goalkeeping, there has been no disruption. Stanley Nwabali, the first-choice goalkeeper, was not included in the squad due to family bereavement. His absence opens the battle for the starting jersey between Italy-based Maduka Okoye and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie.
The Super Eagles began preparations with training sessions on Tuesday following their arrival. The friendly match is scheduled to take place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, which boasts a seating capacity of 78,000, making it the largest football stadium in Russia and the ninth-largest in Europe.
This friendly will mark Nigeria’s third fixture during the international window after their successful outing in the Unity Cup held in London, as they continue to build momentum ahead of upcoming competitions.
