Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia on Tuesday with a significantly reshaped squad after injuries and club-related release issues forced several players out of the international friendly.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Nizhny Novgorod, with kick-off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Ndidi among key absentees
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is unavailable after suffering a knock during Nigeria’s recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
His absence deprives head coach Éric Chelle of an experienced midfield leader.
The latest withdrawals also include Bright Osayi-Samuel, who pulled out of the Russia fixture, while Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was ruled out with an injury.
Club restrictions add to Chelle’s problems
Chelle has also had to contend with clubs declining to release some players for the friendly.
Raphael Onyedika was not permitted to travel by Eintracht Frankfurt, while Moses Usor, who scored on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar in September, was prevented by LASK from joining the team in Russia.
Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola was another player affected by club restrictions.
Slavia Prague midfielder Suleiman Mubarak was also unable to make the trip because his residence permit had not been secured.
The withdrawals are particularly significant because Chelle had originally named a 24-man squad for the Russia fixture.
A chance for new players
Despite the setbacks, the situation gives Chelle an opportunity to assess less-established players in the senior national team.
An additional call-up, Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov, was expected to join the camp in Nizhny Novgorod.
Nigeria arrived in Russia ahead of the fixture and began preparations there over the weekend.
Nigeria and Russia meet again
The fixture is a rematch of the countries’ first senior international meeting in June 2025.
Russia took the lead at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium through a Semi Ajayi own goal, before Tolu Arokodare equalised in the 71st minute to secure a 1–1 draw for Nigeria.
The previous encounter was also played with Nigeria missing several established players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Ndidi and Stanley Nwabali.
This time, however, the circumstances are different: Chelle is using the friendly partly to evaluate squad depth, while Nigeria continues preparations following its recent AFCON qualifying campaign.
18 Super Eagles in Russia
Goalkeepers
- Michael Atata — Ikorodu City
- Samuel James — SJK FC, Finland
- Stanley Nwabali — Chippa United, South Africa
Defenders
- Kenneth Igboke — Enugu Rangers
- Isaac James — Alverca FC, Portugal
- Benjamin Fredricks — Brentford FC, England
- Emmanuel Fernandez — Glasgow Rangers, Scotland
- Abdullahi Bewene — FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia
Midfielders
- Chibuzo Nwoke — Fulham FC, England
- Stephen Michael — Vendsyssel FF, Denmark
- Igor Wilfred — Kristiansund FC, Norway
- Aderemi Adeoye — Ikorodu City
Forwards
- Kelechi Iheanacho — Bursaspor FC, Turkey
- Moses Simon — Paris FC, France
- Akor Adams — Venezia FC, Italy
- Peter Edokpolor — SL Benfica, Portugal
- Abubakar Umar — FC Famalicao, Portugal
- Abdullahi Umar — Hradec Kralove, Czechia
The bigger picture
The Russia friendly comes at an important point for Chelle. Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifying campaign included a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, increasing the importance of using international windows to assess alternatives and strengthen squad depth. Reuters also reported that Nigeria was among several African teams turning to friendlies during the current international window.
The depleted squad therefore presents both a challenge and an opportunity: Nigeria will be without several established options, but younger and less experienced players will have an opportunity to convince Chelle that they can compete for places in the Super Eagles.
