Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side's glamour friendly against Russia at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle explained his decision to hand a late call-up to Rostov midfielder Ibraheem Ajasa.
The Super Eagles suffered a string of withdrawals ahead of their trip to Russia, with some foreign clubs declining to release their players and injuries ruling out two invitees.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel defender Akpe Victory withdrew from the squad due to injuries, while Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola and Moses Usor were prevented from travelling to Russia.
Slavia Prague midfielder Suleiman Mubarak was also unable to make the trip after failing to secure his residence permit in time.
Chelle revealed that Nigeria had just fourteen players available when the team began preparations for the trip to Russia, forcing the coaching staff to look for eligible players already based in the country.
In quotes relayed by Championat, the Malian explained: "When we were getting ready to come here, we realized we only had 14 players. It's difficult to bring players from abroad to Russia.
"So we started looking for those who were already playing in Russia. That's why we brought in Ajasa from Rostov.
"He has dribbling skills and is capable of finding unconventional and creative solutions on the field. We'll see if he gets time tomorrow,"
Ajasa has struggled for playing opportunities at Rostov this season, logging only seven minutes in a Cup match against Akron Tolyatti on August 4.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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