Six Withdraw from Super Eagles Squad Ahead of Russia Clash in Moscow

Nigeria’s Super Eagles'll face Russia this Friday in international friendly with reshuffled squad after several senior players pulled out due to injuries & personal reasons.

6 Stars Withdraw, Chelle Calls in Reinforcements

As the Nigerian team landed in Moscow on Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the absence of 6 key player:

• Ola Aina
• Wilfred Ndidi
• Samuel Chukwueze
• Kelechi Iheanacho
• Sadiq Umar
• Nathan Tella

Chukwueze & Aina withdrew due to family matters while Ndidi and Umar are recovering from injuries. Tella was ruled out over passport renewal delays and Iheanacho was excused on technical grounds.

Fresh Faces From Unity Cup Join the Squad

Coach Eric Chelle responded by drafting in promising names from the domestic league and recent Unity cup success. Defender Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars) & Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford) who both impressed in London, join the backline.

They link up with experienced names like William Troost Ekong, Bright Osayi Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu.

In midfield Ndidi’s absence opened the door for Enugu Rangers standout Saviour Isaac. He joins Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Papa Daniel Mustapha in revamped engine room.

Olusegun Gets Chance to Shine Up Front

Chelle’s attacking options are led by Victor Boniface, Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare. Russia based winger Olakunle Olusegun of Krasnodar has also been called up to bolster the forward line.

With goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali absent for family reasons, the gloves are now with Maduka Okoye & Amas Obasogie.

The Super Eagles are set to train in Moscow from Tuesday as they prepare for the high profile clash at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.