The Nigeria Football Federation has made two changes to the Super Eagles squad, four days before their glamour friendly against Russia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod.
Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and FC Basel central defender Akpe Victory have both withdrawn from the 24-man squad, leaving head coach Eric Chelle to bring in late replacements for the duo.
In a press release on Friday afternoon, the Nigerian federation confirmed that Tromsø centre-back Vince Osuji and Stade Reims defensive midfielder John Otomewo have received late call-ups as replacements for Victory and Ndidi, respectively.
Ndidi played the full 90 minutes of Nigeria's 2-1 win over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener but was substituted with around 15 minutes remaining in the following match against Guinea-Bissau, fuelling speculation that he had picked up a knock.
As for Victory, allnigeriasoccer.com can confirm that the young centre-back was forced to withdraw from the squad to face Russia after suffering a training-ground injury two days ago.
Ndidi's withdrawal means Chelle is now without nine members of his preferred starting lineup, with Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen also absent from the travelling squad.
Osuji has made two appearances for Tromsø since joining the Norwegian club in the summer, while Otomewo has featured as a substitute in seven Ligue 2 matches so far this season.
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