Manager Eric Chelle has explained why several of Nigeria's biggest stars will miss Tuesday's international friendly against Russia.
Nigeria will face Russia at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod , with Chelle forced to work with a depleted squad for the friendly.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is still recovering from injury, while Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi were not named in the initial squad unveiled last month.
Other high profile absentees include Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tolu Arokodare and Semi Ajayi.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle explained that some European clubs were reluctant to release their players for the trip to Russia, forcing him to name several uncapped players in the final squad.
"Given the current situation, clubs are reluctant to send their players here. Because of this, we've brought in a number of very young players," Chelle told reporters in Nizhny Novgorod.
"But this squad has the opportunity to show what it's made of against a good team like Russia. Tomorrow, the team will be competing for our colors."
Only sixteen outfield players are expected to be included in the Super Eagles matchday squad to face Russia on Tuesday.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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