Former USSR and Russian national team midfielder Alexander Mostovoy has played down concerns over the absence of several Super Eagles stars ahead of the international friendly between Russia and Nigeria.
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle will not be able to count on the services of nine members of his ideal starting lineup, with Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen all unavailable for selection.
Of the aforementioned players, only two started the Super Eagles' 1-1 draw against Russia in June 2025, namely Ajayi and Onyemaechi.
The absence of these players has left Eric Chelle with a significantly weakened squad, with only sixteen outfield players available for selection on Tuesday evening.
Former Spartak Moscow star Alexander Mostovoy acknowledged that the Super Eagles are without their biggest names, but insisted the situation was nothing unusual.
"It'll be interesting to watch this game. We're riding high right now—we're crushing Namibia! What else can we do?" he told Sport-Express.
"This is the only way for now. Will the Nigerian team be without any stars? That's their right. It's not the first time this has happened"
More than 38,000 tickets have been sold for the Russia versus Nigeria friendly on October 6, with the 41,300-capacity stadium expected to be close to full.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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