The Super Eagles of Nigeria will walk into Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium on Friday with more than just a friendly on their hands.
they’ll be taking on Russia with a squad battered by withdrawals, injuries, and logistical hiccups, forcing head coach Eric Chelle into a last-minute reshuffle of his 23-man roster.
With several key names pulling out (either through injury or family matters) the international friendly has morphed into a crucial test of Nigeria’s depth, adaptability, and Chelle’s tactical ingenuity.
Ndidi, Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Aina Out as NFF Names Makeshift Team for Friday Showdown in Moscow
Big Names Missing: Injury Bug Strikes Super Eagles Again
The biggest blow arguably came in the midfield and attack. Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi is sidelined due to injury, while forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze have excused themselves to attend to family obligations.
Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar also misses out with a fresh injury concern.
Another attacking setback is Nathan Tella, who is unable to travel as he awaits the renewal of his UK passport.
The goalkeeping unit remains relatively stable, with Stanley Nwabali not originally listed due to bereavement.
Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie will battle for the No.1 spot between the sticks.
Fresh Faces & Tactical Shifts In The Super eagles Camp
With several first-teamers unavailable, Chelle has turned to recent standouts from the Unity Cup squad and Eagles B team to fill the void.
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Saviour Isaac, a rising star from Enugu Rangers, gets a surprise midfield nod, bringing energy and local league experience as he preps for CHAN duty later this year.
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In defense, Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars) and Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford), who impressed against Jamaica, are called up following Ola Aina’s withdrawal.
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Up front, Russia-based Olakunle Olusegun, formerly of Nigeria’s U-20 setup, earns a long-awaited senior invite and will now play in familiar territory—his club side Krasnodar FC is just hours from Moscow.
Luzhniki Awaits The Super Eagles
The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow on Monday and kick-started training on Tuesday ahead of the clash at the 78,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium, one of Europe’s largest and the scene of the 2018 World Cup final.
Coach Chelle is expected to use the opportunity to evaluate fringe players and deepen his pool ahead of crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers and World Cup qualification matches.
Confirmed Squad: Nigeria vs Russia Friendly
Goalkeepers:
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Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
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Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
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William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
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Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
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Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
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Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England)
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Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
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Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars)
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Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford, England)
Midfielders:
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Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
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Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
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Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
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Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
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Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
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Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)
Forwards:
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Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
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Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
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Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar, Russia)
The match kicks off June 6th, Friday evening.
