'Not below the level' - Russia coach impressed by Super Eagles even without Osimhen, Lookman

Russia national team coach Valery Karpin has shared his thoughts on the strength of the Nigeria national team, saying that the three-time African champions remain a formidable opponent even without their marquee forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Eric Chelle has taken a second-string team to the Russian capital Moscow, with eight members of the Super Eagles' ideal starting lineup absent from the travelling squad.

In addition to Osimhen and Lookman, the Malian football tactician will also be without Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze.

The absence of the key names is a blow, but Nigeria's squad remains stacked with talent, including top-five European League players such as Victor Boniface, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche and Moses Simon, who have all made the journey to Moscow.

Valery Karpin noted that the absence of these players has not diminished the overall strength of the Nigerian team.

Speaking to the official website of the Russian Federation, he stated: "First of all, the level of the players is impressive. Yes, Osimhen and Lookman will not come, but the other players are definitely not below the level. 

"The team has not been working with the current coach for very long, so individual actions are more noticeable for now. 

"It is clear that the coaching staff is already making some adjustments, but to say that everything is fine-tuned is not that."

On Friday evening, Russia will lock horns with Nigeria at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium, venue of the 2018 World Cup final.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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