'I like it when new names appear' - Odemwingie names 3 Nigeria players he expects to start v Russia

Former Super Eagles star Peter Odemwingie has welcomed the emergence of fresh talent in the Nigeria national team, ahead of their high-profile international friendly against Russia.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named four uncapped players in his 21-man squad list for the friendly against Russia, including Amas Obasogie (Singida SC), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Christantus Uche (Getafe) and Papa Mustapha ( Niger Tornadoes). 

The Malian football tactician will be without key players Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey for the friendly in Moscow on June 6.

In an interview with Championat correspondent Alexander Ershov, Odemwingie revealed that the friendly against Russia is an opportunity to test new players and deepen the national team's pool.

"I like it when new names appear, there will be more competition for the main players," Odemwingie stated.

"We will know what the future holds for the Nigerian national team. We cannot always rely on the same players."

The former Lokomotiv Moscow forward singled out Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho as players he expects to start against Russia, adding that Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface could also be in contention.

"I think the players who will come to Russia are close to the main squad. If Chukwueze, Simon and Iheanacho or Boniface start, we can say that they are our base. 

"Of course, Nigeria's main star now is Osimhen, but the game will still be interesting," Odemwingie added.

Odemwingie concluded by saying that the friendly will be a valuable platform for players to showcase their abilities to both Russian and European audiences.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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