Osayi-Samuel Withdraws from Nigeria's Friendly Against Russia
Bright Osayi-Samuel has withdrawn from the Super Eagles' upcoming friendly match against Russia, which is scheduled for October 6. His withdrawal adds to the challenges faced by head coach Éric Chelle, as he becomes the third player to exit the squad.
No reason has been provided for Osayi-Samuel's departure. Previously, captain Wilfred Ndidi dropped out due to a knock sustained during the qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, where Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat, leaving them with three points in Group L.
Victory Akpe also left the squad after sustaining an injury in training. In response, Chelle has called up John Otomewo from Stade Reims and Vince Osuji from Tromsø to fill the gaps.
The match in Nizhny Novgorod is the final game in the Super Eagles' three-match international window, with a core group of senior players, including Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon, already in training. The previous encounter with Russia ended in a 1-1 draw on June 6, 2025.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Punch Newspapers. Read the original report below.
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