Four things to know about new Super Eagles invitee Olakunle Olusegun ahead of Russia friendly

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Russia in an international friendly on June 6 at the iconic 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. 

Among the squad is a late call-up, Krasnodar FC forward Olakunle Olusegun, who has earned a chance to shine for the national team. 

Here are four key facts about the rising star as he prepares for this high-profile match.

1. A Proven Talent in Russia’s Premier League

Olakunle Olusegun, a 23-year-old Nigerian forward, has made significant strides with Krasnodar FC, contributing to their Russian Premier League title win in the 2024/25 season. 

The versatile attacker, capable of playing as a striker or winger, has scored 10 goals in 79 league appearances for the Krasnodar. 

His standout moment came in 2022 when he scored the fastest goal in Russian Premier League history, netting after just 8.9 seconds against Rostov, surpassing a record previously set by another Nigerian, Emmanuel Emenike.

2. A Stellar Youth International Career

Olusegun first gained global attention during the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in their Round of 16 exit against the Netherlands. 

Prior to that, he was the top scorer at the 2019 WAFU U-17 tournament with fOUR goals, helping Nigeria qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he added another goal. 

His performances showcased his potential as a future star for the Super Eagles.

3. Overcoming Career Challenges

Olusegun’s decision to stay with Krasnodar during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 limited his visibility due to sanctions on Russian football. 

Despite a FIFA rule allowing foreign players to leave, he remained, a choice he described as “paying a heavy price” for his career. 

This affected his chances of earlier senior national team call-ups, though his perseverance has now earned him this opportunity.

4. A Late but Timely Call-Up

With injuries and withdrawals impacting the Super Eagles squad, coach Eric Chelle turned to Olusegun to bolster the attack alongside Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare. 

Arriving in Moscow on Tuesday, Olusegun’s familiarity with Russia could give him an edge as Nigeria faces the  Russian side in their first-ever senior international meeting.

As Olusegun steps onto the Luzhniki pitch, this friendly could mark a defining moment in his journey to becoming a Super Eagles

Wale Adejumo

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