Super Eagles' Squad Depleted Ahead of Russia Friendly
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that the Super Eagles' squad has been significantly weakened ahead of their international friendly match against Russia due to a combination of injuries and clubs refusing to release players. Captain Wilfred Ndidi is sidelined with a minor injury sustained during a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was prevented from traveling by his club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Other players, including defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, were also stopped by their clubs.
Defender Victory Akpe is unavailable due to injury, while Austria-based Moses Usor, who recently debuted for Nigeria, was not initially listed for the trip and was later denied permission by LASK FC. Suleiman Mubarak from Slavia Prague could not travel due to permit issues.
Late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa from FC Rostov is expected to join the team in Nizhny Novgorod. The Super Eagles previously drew 1-1 with Russia in a friendly match at Luzhniki Stadium 16 months ago.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Daily Trust. Read the original report below.
Read full article
Continue on Daily Trust
Get the week in one email
Top stories, NPFL results, the naira — every Friday morning. Free, one email a week.
Related Stories
Super Eagles Depleted Ahead of Friendly Against Russia
Super Eagles Train in Russia for Upcoming Friendly Match
Ndidi Out of Super Eagles Squad for Russia Friendly
Osayi-Samuel Withdraws from Nigeria's Friendly Against Russia
Éric Chelle Names 24 Players for Super Eagles vs Russia Friendly
Eric Chelle Adds Ibraheem Ajasa to Super Eagles Squad
Get Plus234Feed on messaging apps
Same headlines, delivered where you already scroll.
