'We have played with weaker opponents' - Russia midfielder downplays absence of Osimhen, Lookman

Speaking to the media in his homeland, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Russia midfielder Andrei Mostovoy has insisted that the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from the Super Eagles squad is irrelevant.

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has selected twenty one players for the trip to Moscow next week and the two marquee forwards are not part of the group.

Reports suggest the Galatasaray striker and Atalanta winger opted out due to fatigue from a demanding 2024–25 season, as well as potential summer transfers that could be jeopardized by injury.

Russia's standout fixture in June will see the 2018 Fifa World Cup hosts take on three-time African champions Nigeria at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6, before a meeting with Belarus in Minsk four days later. 

Mostovoy underlined that the absence of Osimhen and Lookman will not affect the mood of the Russian national team players in the friendly match

Speaking to TASS on Monday, he explained: "We have normal opponents in June. Belarus was there last year, it will be very interesting with Nigeria. 

"The fact that some of the stars of the Nigerian team will not come does not change anything in terms of the team's mood, we have played with weaker opponents before. 

"Nigeria is a very interesting opponent, it will be interesting to play. Of course, we will go into this match with maximum mood."

Despite Osimhen and Lookman's absence, the Super Eagles' attacking line remains formidable, with six forwards from top-five European leagues included: Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon and Sadiq Umar.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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