By Adegboyega Adeleye Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has made two changes to his squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia following the withdrawals of captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Akpe Victory. Midfielder John Otomewo and defender Vince Osuji have been called up to replace Ndidi and Akpe respectively, with both players now in line to make their senior international debuts against Russia on Tuesday.
Otomewo recently joined French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims from Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Jerusalem, while Osuji currently plays for Norwegian club Tromsø after leaving Belgian side Club Brugge this summer. The two changes come after Ndidi, who was originally named captain of the 24-man squad, withdrew from the Russia friendly. The reason for his withdrawal has not been officially disclosed.
Akpe, who was handed his first senior call-up for the fixture, is also unavailable. Nigeria will face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, in a friendly Chelle is using to assess players and broaden his options following the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures. Nigeria began the qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
The Super Eagles have also arrived in Russia ahead of the encounter, with the Nigerian delegation reaching Moscow on Friday. Chelle’s original Russia squad included experienced players such as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams, alongside several players in line for their first senior appearances.
Kelechi Iheanacho is also part of the squad after returning to the national team, while the friendly provides an opportunity for Chelle to continue assessing emerging players. Several players in the squad are in line to make their debut, including Ikorodu City’s duo Michael Atata