Super Eagles starting XI: Okoye, Simon, Boniface, Onyeka start; Uche full debut; Arokodare bench

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for Friday evening's friendly against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with kickoff set for 18:00 PM Nigerian time.

At least seven members of Nigeria's ideal starting lineup were not named in the travelling squad to the Russian capital, including Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Despite the absence of several key players, Chelle has fielded a starting lineup that appears strong on paper.

With first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali unavailable for selection, Udinese star Maduka Okoye makes his second start for the national team since the conclusion of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Okoye is protected by a back four consisting of Bright Osayi-Samuel, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Getafe ace Christantus Uche makes his full debut for the Super Eagles and joining him in midfield are Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.

Nigeria's attack this evening features Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface and Nantes' Moses Simon.

Russian-based forward Olakunle Olusegun and Genk's Tolu Arokodare are among the substitutes.

Super Eagles starting lineup: Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Dele-Bashiru, Uche, Onyeka, Onyedika; Simon, Boniface

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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