Super Eagles Depleted By Club Blocks, Injuries For Russia Clash

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been hit by a wave of club restrictions and injuries ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi is out after picking up a minor injury during last week’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Raphael Onyedika was blocked from travelling by German club Eintracht Frankfurt, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were also stopped by their clubs.

Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe has been ruled out through injury.

Moses Usor, who scored on his Nigeria debut in the 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, was initially not included in the squad.

But after coach Éric Chelle later called for his inclusion, his Austrian club LASK refused to release him for the trip.

Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague was another absentee after his residence permit was not secured in time for the journey.

The setbacks have left Chelle with a much-reduced squad for the meeting with Russia, 16 months after the teams drew 1-1 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

Eighteen Super Eagles are currently in Russia, with late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov expected to join the camp in Nizhny Novgorod.

The squad includes goalkeepers Michael Atata, Samuel James and Stanley Nwabali; defenders Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez and Abdullahi Bewene; midfielders Chibuzo Nwoke, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred and Aderemi Adeoye; and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar and Abdullahi Umar.

Iheanacho’s return provides one of the few positives for Chelle. The Bursaspor striker has enjoyed a prolific start to the season in Turkey but has not played for Nigeria since May 2025.

Tuesday’s game comes just days after Nigeria suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, leaving the Super Eagles three points behind the Djurtus in the 2027 AFCON qualifying race.

Chelle will therefore have to make the most of a depleted squad as he uses the Russia friendly to assess his remaining options and prepare for the crucial qualifiers ahead.