The Super Eagles have been hit by a series of withdrawals and travel setbacks ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, leaving head coach Éric Chelle with a reduced group as preparations continue for the highly anticipated encounter.
Sports247 reports that several invited players will not be available for the fixture due to injuries, club restrictions and travel-related complications, forcing the technical crew to adjust its plans ahead of the meeting with Russia.
Among the notable absentees is Wilfred Ndidi, who has been ruled out through injury. Victory Akpe is also unavailable after suffering an injury, further reducing Chelle’s options.
The Super Eagles have also lost several players because their clubs did not release them for the international assignment. Raphael Onyedika was reportedly blocked by Eintracht Frankfurt, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ridwan Popoola were also prevented from joining the national team.
There was further disappointment over the late invitation of Moses Usor, with his Austrian club LASK unable to grant the request because of the timing.
Suleiman Mubarak is another absentee, with the midfielder still awaiting his resident permit, preventing him from travelling to Russia for the encounter.
Despite the setbacks, 18 Super Eagles players are currently in Russia and available to continue preparations for the friendly.
The goalkeeping department features Michael Atata, Samuel James and Stanley Nwabali, while the defensive options include Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez and Abdullahi Bewene.
In midfield, Chelle has Chibuzo Nwoke, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred and Aderemi Adeoye at his disposal.
The attacking options currently in Russia are Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar and Abdullahi Umar.
For Chelle, the situation provides an opportunity to assess players who may not ordinarily have received extended opportunities within the senior national team setup. The friendly against Russia is expected to form part of the coach’s broader plans as he continues to evaluate his options and build greater depth within the squad.
Although the number of withdrawals has created an unexpected challenge, the available players will now be expected to make the most of their opportunity to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
The host nation has not been spared from the crisis either. Russia will be without two of their most influential superstars:
– Matvey Safonov: The star goalkeeper returned to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday to prepare for the resumption of club football.
– Aleksandr Golovin: The playmaker sustained a slight injury and has flown back to Monaco for treatment.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Russia on October 6, with the encounter providing another test for Chelle and his players as Nigeria continues preparations for future international assignments.
With a depleted squad but renewed opportunities for several players, attention now turns to Russia, where the available Super Eagles will look to deliver a positive performance despite the disruptions that have affected their preparations.
