Super Eagles Suffers Fresh Crisis as Clubs Block Players Ahead of Russia Friendly

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the Super Eagles have been seriously weakened ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia.

This is because several clubs refusing to release their players while a number of other players have been ruled out through injury.

According to the NFF, the situation has significantly reduced the options available to head coach Éric Chelle as Nigeria prepare for their second meeting with Russia in 16 months.

Ndidi, Onyedika Among Absentees

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the encounter after suffering a minor knock during Nigeria’s recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau.

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika has also been ruled out after his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, stopped him from travelling to Russia.

Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were similarly prevented from joining the squad by their respective clubs.

Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe will also miss the friendly after an injury prevented him from travelling.

Moses Usor Blocked Despite Chelle’s Late Request

There was also disappointment surrounding Moses Usor, who scored on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25.

The Austria-based forward was not originally included in the squad for the Russia trip. However, after Chelle later requested his presence, his club LASK FC informed him that he should not travel.

That decision means Nigeria will be without the player who marked his Super Eagles debut with a goal just days ago.

Residency Permit Ruled Out Suleiman Mubarak

Slavia Prague midfielder Suleiman Mubarak was another player who could not make the trip.

The youngster had been invited by Chelle but was unable to travel because his residence permit had not been secured.

The series of setbacks has left the Super Eagles with a much smaller group than originally expected for the friendly.

Late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of Russian club FC Rostov was expected to join the team’s camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening, potentially giving Chelle another option ahead of the match.

Another Chapter in Nigeria-Russia Rivalry

The Super Eagles will be facing familiar opponents when they take on Russia.

Nigeria and Russia played out a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium 16 months ago, and the upcoming meeting will give both sides another opportunity to test themselves against each other.

However, Chelle will now have to do so with a squad that has been significantly affected by player unavailability.

With the likes of Ndidi, Onyedika, Osayi-Samuel and Usor missing, the coach will have to rely heavily on the players who successfully made the trip to Russia.

18 Super Eagles Players in Russia

Goalkeepers

1. Michael Atata — Ikorodu City
2. Samuel James — SJK FC, Finland
3. Stanley Nwabali — Chippa United, South Africa

Defenders

1. Kenneth Igboke — Enugu Rangers
2. Isaac James — Alverca FC, Portugal
3. Benjamin Fredricks — Brentford FC, England
4. Emmanuel Fernandez — Glasgow Rangers, Scotland
5. Abdullahi Bewene — FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia

Midfielders

1. Chibuzo Nwoke — Fulham FC, England
2. Stephen Michael — Vendsyssel FF, Denmark
3. Igor Wilfred — Kristiansund FC, Norway
4. Aderemi Adeoye — Ikorodu City

Forwards

1. Kelechi Iheanacho — Bursaspor FC, Turkey
2. Moses Simon — Paris FC, France
3. Akor Adams — Venezia FC, Italy
4. Peter Edokpolor — SL Benfica, Portugal
5. Abubakar Umar — FC Famalicao, Portugal
6. Abdullahi Umar — Hradec Kralove, Czechia

With only 18 players confirmed in Russia and several first-team options unavailable, Chelle faces an early selection headache as Nigeria look to respond to their recent setback against Guinea-Bissau.

The Russia friendly now provides an opportunity for the remaining players, particularly the younger members of the squad, to step forward and stake their claim in the Super Eagles setup.