The Super Eagles have arrived in Russia ahead of their international friendly against the hosts, with Kelechi Iheanacho and several other players among the early arrivals for the October 6 encounter.
Nigeria’s delegation reached Russia on Friday as preparations began for the fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Benjamin Fredrick, Akor Adams, Emmanuel Fernandez and Popoola Abdulrasaq are among the players who have joined up with the squad.
The friendly will provide head coach Éric Chelle with an opportunity to assess several players after Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
However, Chelle has been forced to make changes to his squad after captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Akpe Victory withdrew from the Russia assignment.
The reason for Ndidi’s withdrawal has not been officially disclosed, while Victory was forced out after suffering an injury in training.
The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently confirmed two late replacements.
Tromsø defender Vince Osuji has been called up to replace Victory, while Stade Reims midfielder John Otomewo comes into the squad for Ndidi.
Both players have the opportunity to make their senior international debuts against Russia.
Simon is now the most senior player in the squad following Ndidi’s withdrawal, while Iheanacho returns to the national team after being recalled for the friendly.
The match will be Nigeria’s second meeting with Russia in 16 months, following their 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
Wale Adejumo
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