The reason Onyemaechi reported late for Super Eagles duty in Moscow and missed training

The Super Eagles now have a full complement of 20 players in camp ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Russia, following the arrival of Bruno Onyemaechi in Moscow. 

The Olympiakos left-back was the last player to report for national team duty after experiencing a delay in securing his visa.

Onyemaechi missed the team's opening training session on Tuesday evening due to the travel setback but has since joined up with his teammates at their base in the Russian capital. 

His arrival completes head coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the much-anticipated encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium.

The squad comprises two goalkeepers — Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie — who were both involved in Tuesday’s training. 

In defence, William Troost-Ekong is joined by Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, Benjamin Fredrick, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Onyemaechi.

The midfield unit features Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Chrisantus Uche, Isaac Saviour, and Papa Mustapha Daniels. 

All six are expected to compete for starting roles in a match that will serve as a crucial test of depth and chemistry within the squad.

In attack, the Super Eagles boast a blend of experience and youth with Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Sikiru Alimi, Tolu Arokodare, and newly invited Olakunle Olusegun all present. 

Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, received his first-ever senior call-up following the withdrawals of Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, and Sadiq Umar.

The team conducted its first training session at the Moskvich Stadium under the guidance of Chelle and his technical crew. 

With Onyemaechi’s arrival, the squad is now expected to continue tactical preparations in earnest ahead of the fixture.

The Super Eagles are currently unbeaten in four matches since Chelle took over as head coach and will be looking to extend that run when they face Russia — the 2018 World Cup hosts — on their home turf.

Wale Adejumo

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