Nigeria’s preparation for their international friendly against Russia has been significantly disrupted following a series of player withdrawals and injuries, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed. The highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for Friday at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, has forced head coach Finidi George Chelle to make several last-minute adjustments to the squad.
Six Key Withdrawals Leave Gaps in Super Eagles Lineup
Upon landing in Moscow on Monday, the Super Eagles were noticeably depleted as six regulars were confirmed unavailable for selection. Those missing from the roster include Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, and Nathan Tella.
The reasons for their absence vary. Ola Aina requested to be excused from the game, while Wilfred Ndidi and Sadiq Umar were ruled out due to injuries. Meanwhile, Chukwueze and Iheanacho withdrew to attend to personal family matters. Nathan Tella, on the other hand, was sidelined due to a delay in the renewal of his United Kingdom passport, making him ineligible to travel.
These developments come just after Nigeria’s recent success in the Unity Cup in London, making this the Super Eagles’ third fixture during the current international window.
New Faces Step In to Reinforce Squad
Coach Chelle has wasted no time in reshaping his team, calling up reinforcements to fill the void left by the absentees. Among the new additions are Unity Cup standouts Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredericks, who have been drafted in to strengthen the defensive unit.
Captain William Troost-Ekong arrived in Moscow to provide leadership at the back, alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel. They join defenders Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, and Igoh Ogbu—all of whom featured prominently in the Unity Cup—to form a revamped backline.
Midfield Revamp as Injury Creates Opportunity
The injury to Ndidi opened the door for a rising star in Nigerian football: Saviour Isaac of Enugu Rangers. Isaac, a key player in the Nigeria B team set to feature in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals this August, is expected to showcase his talent on a larger stage.
He will be competing in midfield alongside established names such as Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha.
Thinned Attack Calls for Tactical Adjustments
The Super Eagles’ forward line has also been trimmed. With Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Umar, and Tella all unavailable, the burden of leading the attack falls on the shoulders of Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare.
To add depth, Coach Chelle has brought in Olakunle Olusegun, a former junior international currently playing for FC Krasnodar in Russia. His inclusion marks a return to the national team scene and presents an opportunity to impress on home turf in the Russian league.
Stable Goalkeeping Department Despite Absences
The goalkeeping department has remained relatively untouched, although first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was not included in the traveling squad due to family bereavement. He is currently in Nigeria attending to burial rites for his late parents.
As a result, Maduka Okoye of Udinese (Italy) and Amas Obasogie of Tanzanian side Azam FC will battle for the starting role in goal. Both keepers have been part of previous national team call-ups and bring valuable experience between the sticks.
Moscow Showdown at Iconic Luzhniki Stadium
The match against Russia will take place at the world-renowned Luzhniki Stadium, a venue with a rich football history. With a capacity of 78,000, it stands as the largest stadium in Russia and the ninth-largest in all of Europe. The iconic stadium has hosted some of football’s most historic moments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
Training sessions for the match commenced on Tuesday, as the Super Eagles look to regroup quickly and develop on-field chemistry with the new lineup.
Friendly Offers Crucial Test for Coach Chelle’s Vision
Friday’s match serves as an important barometer for Nigeria’s depth and readiness as they continue to build momentum ahead of upcoming qualifiers and competitions. It also provides Coach Chelle a chance to evaluate lesser-known players in a high-stakes environment against formidable opposition.
With several regulars out, the match could mark the international breakthrough of fresh talents eager to cement their places in the squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The game also allows the NFF and Nigerian fans to assess the long-term prospects of players like Olusegun, Isaac, and Fredericks, who represent a new generation of Super Eagles hopefuls.
Looking Ahead: Nigeria’s Road to Major Tournaments
This friendly comes at a time when the Super Eagles are seeking to reassert themselves as a dominant force on the African continent. Despite recent inconsistencies, the team’s victory in the Unity Cup and the opportunity to test new players in Moscow presents a silver lining in what could have otherwise been seen as a setback due to the withdrawals.
Coach Chelle remains optimistic that this mix of experienced internationals and emerging stars can help Nigeria build a more resilient and dynamic squad for the future.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Russia, all eyes will be on how the new-look lineup performs—and whether any of the new call-ups can seize the moment and prove their worth on the international stage.
