The Nigeria Football Federation has clarified the reasons behind the withdrawal of captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and five other players from the Super Eagles’ friendly against Russia, citing injuries, club decisions and documentation issues.
The NFF said Ndidi and Basel defender Victory Akpe were unavailable due to injuries, with Ndidi suffering a minor knock in last week’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
“Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe has been stopped from flying to Russia by injury,” the statement said.
“Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was stopped from travelling to Russia by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were stopped by their clubs,” the NFF said.
Moses Usor was also unavailable after LASK blocked his travel despite Chelle requesting him for the trip. The forward scored on his Super Eagles debut in the 2-1 win over Madagascar on September 25.
Suleiman Mubarak, who was in line for his first senior international appearance, was unable to join the squad because of an unresolved residence permit.
“Suleiman Mubarak, invited from Slavia Prague in Czechia, could not travel to Russia because his residence permit has not been secured,” the NFF said.
The withdrawals have left Chelle with a reduced squad as he seeks a response to the 3-0 defeat in Bissau. Eighteen players trained on Sunday before FC Rostov midfielder Ibrahim Ajasa joined as a late invitee, taking the number to 19.
The Super Eagles held their final training session at 7:30pm local time on Monday at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Russia head into the encounter in strong form after defeating Iran 2-0 and Namibia 6-0.
Nigeria will be seeking to improve on their 1-1 draw with Russia in Moscow in June 2025, when Semi Ajayi’s own goal gave the hosts the lead before Tolu Arokodare equalised.
