Seven players have withdrawn from the friendly match between Russia and Nigeria. The Nigerian Football Federation explained the reasons for this latest series of withdrawals ahead of Tuesday's encounter.
Nigeria's Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, along with Raphael Onyedika, Moses Usor, Akpe Victory, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and two other players, have all canceled their participation in the friendly match set to take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
According to a statement issued by the media department of the Nigerian Football Federation, Ndidi and Basel defender Akpe Victory are absent due to injuries.
“Captain Wilfred Ndidi had to leave the pitch due to a minor injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau last week,” the statement said.
“Defender Victory Akpe, who plays in Switzerland, was unable to travel to Russia due to an injury.”
Additionally, the trio of Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, based in the United Arab Emirates, were withdrawn from the friendly match after their respective clubs prevented their participation.
“Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was denied entry into Russia by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, who play in the United Arab Emirates, were also blocked by their respective clubs.”
Due to the depleted squad, Chelle called up Moses Usor at the last minute, who scored his first goal in the Super Eagles' 2-1 victory over Madagascar.
However, the Austrian club LASK also refused to release the striker for this friendly match, preferring to keep him for their upcoming fixtures.
