Super Eagles Roster Shaken by Injuries, Withdrawals Ahead of Russia Friendly

Super Eagles Roster Shaken by Injuries, Withdrawals Ahead of Russia Friendly

By Niyi Busari 

Head Coach Eric Chelle has been forced to make several changes to the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, scheduled for Friday, June 7 at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

A mix of injuries, personal withdrawals, and administrative challenges has led to a reshuffling of the original list of players called up for the high-profile fixture.

Goalkeeping Unchanged Amid Nwabali Absence

The goalkeeping department remains stable despite the absence of first-choice shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali, who was unavailable due to bereavement. Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Amas Obasogie of Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars will compete for the number one jersey.

Defensive Adjustments

Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the defensive line in Moscow, joined by Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, and Igoh Ogbu. Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina has withdrawn for personal reasons, prompting the inclusion of Remo Stars’ Sodiq Ismaila and Brentford FC’s Benjamin Fredericks. Fredericks, a former youth international, impressed on his debut during the Unity Cup final against Jamaica.

Midfield Boost for Saviour Isaac

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s injury has opened the door for Enugu Rangers’ standout Saviour Isaac, a key figure in Nigeria’s home-based Eagles squad. Isaac will team up with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha to battle for midfield spots.

Thinned Attack Options

The forward line has been hit the hardest. Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho have been excused for family reasons, while Spain-based Sadiq Umar is sidelined with injury. Nathan Tella is unavailable due to delays in renewing his UK passport.

As a result, Chelle will rely on Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare. They are joined by Krasnodar FC’s Olakunle Olusegun, a former junior international, who has been drafted in to reinforce the front line.

Match Details

The Super Eagles squad landed in Moscow on Monday and will begin training on Tuesday ahead of the clash. The match will be held at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, the largest stadium in Russia and one of the most iconic football venues in Europe.

Official Super Eagles Squad vs Russia

Goalkeepers:

Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)

Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)

Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford, England)

Midfielders:

Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)

Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)

Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Forwards:

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)

Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)

Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar, Russia)