Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly with a significantly weakened squad after injuries and club restrictions forced several players out of the encounter.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the situation has affected the team’s preparations, with only 18 players currently available in Russia for the match.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among those who will miss the game after sustaining a minor injury during Nigeria’s recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was also unable to join the team after his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, prevented him from travelling to Russia.
Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were similarly stopped by their clubs from joining the squad, while Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was ruled out through injury.
Moses Usor, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar, was also unable to make the trip after his Austrian club, LASK, declined the late request for his release.
In another setback, Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague could not travel because his residence permit had not been secured.
Despite the absences, coach Éric Chelle still has several experienced players available, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, forward Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Super Eagles will face Russia on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The match comes after Nigeria’s disappointing 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest AFCON 2027 qualifier.
