A series of player injuries and personal withdrawals have led to significant changes in the Super Eagles squad for Friday’s international friendly against Russia in Moscow, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Six key players, Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, and Nathan Tella have been ruled out or excused as the Nigerian team landed in Moscow on Monday. This marks their third match in the current international window, following their victory at the Unity Cup in London.
The NFF confirmed that Ola Aina opted out of the fixture, prompting Head Coach Finidi George Chelle to include Unity Cup standouts Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredericks in the revised squad list.
In terms of the defensive lineup, captain William Troost-Ekong is now in Moscow and will link up with Bright Osayi-Samuel. They will join Unity Cup defenders Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, and Igoh Ogbu to bolster the backline.
Midfield adjustments were necessary following Wilfred Ndidi’s injury, opening the door for Enugu Rangers midfielder Saviour Isaac to earn a call-up. Isaac, a vital figure in the Eagles B squad preparing for the African Nations Championship in August, will compete alongside Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha.
Chukwueze and Iheanacho have stepped aside due to family commitments, while Umar is sidelined with an injury. Nathan Tella, meanwhile, is unable to travel because his UK passport is currently being renewed.
With limited options in the forward line, Coach Chelle now has only Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare available in attack. In response, he has summoned Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun, a former junior international who plays for Krasnodar FC.
The goalkeeping department remains stable despite the absence of first-choice Stanley Nwabali, who was not initially listed due to the upcoming burial of his parents. Italy-based Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie, who plies his trade in Tanzania, will vie for the starting role in goal.
The Super Eagles squad began arriving in Moscow on Monday and is scheduled to start training on Tuesday. The highly anticipated friendly will be staged at the Luzhniki Stadium Russia’s largest football venue, with a seating capacity of 78,000, and the ninth-largest in Europe.
