Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for Friday’s international friendly against Russia in Moscow has undergone significant changes due to a series of injuries and player withdrawals, altering Head Coach Eric Chelle’s original lineup.
The goalkeeping unit remains intact, with Italy-based Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC) and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars) vying for the starting spot. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was not included due to upcoming burial rites for his late parents.
In defense, captain William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC) and Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK) are in Moscow, joined by Unity Cup trio Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC), Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion), and Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague). However, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina withdrew from the match, prompting Chelle to call up Unity Cup duo Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars) and Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC), the latter impressing in his debut against Jamaica last Saturday.
The midfield has been hit by Wilfred Ndidi’s injury, opening the door for Enugu Rangers’ star Saviour Isaac, a key member of Eagles B for the upcoming African Nations Championship finals in August. Isaac joins Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC), Christantus Uche (Getafe CF), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) in the battle for midfield spots.
Up front, absences abound: Unity Cup ace Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho are attending to family matters, Spain-based Sadiq Umar is sidelined by injury, and Nathan Tella is unable to travel due to a UK passport renewal. This leaves Chelle with Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Simon Moses (FC Nantes), and Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk), bolstered by the addition of Russia-based former junior international Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC).
The team arrived in Moscow on Monday and will begin training on Tuesday ahead of the clash at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, Russia’s largest football venue and the ninth-largest in Europe.