Super Eagles Face Russia with Depleted Squad Ahead of Friendly

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday with a significantly depleted squad. Captain Wilfred Ndidi is out due to a minor injury sustained during a qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau.

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika is unable to travel due to restrictions from his club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Other absentees include defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, and Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe, all withheld by their clubs or injured.

Moses Usor, who recently debuted for Nigeria, was initially not included in the squad but was later called up, only to be denied travel by his club, LASK. Suleiman Mubarak from Slavia Prague could not join due to residence permit issues.

Head coach Éric Chelle is left with 18 players, including late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa from FC Rostov, as they prepare for the match, which follows a previous 1-1 draw at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.