Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says his team remains focused and determined despite missing several top players ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Russia in Moscow.
Speaking during a pre-match media briefing at the Luzhniki Stadium, Chelle explained that the absence of key names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi is due to unavoidable circumstances including injuries, visa issues, and club-related matters.
“Osimhen and Lookman are great players with good technique and intelligence,” Chelle said. “But the season is over, and they are at a point where they need to focus on their future at club level. That’s why they are not here.”
The coach also confirmed that Nathan Tella, Samuel Chukwueze, and Wilfred Ndidi will miss the fixture due to personal and administrative challenges.
“Nathan Tella is not here because of passport and visa problems. Samuel Chukwueze needs to solve issues with his family, and Wilfred Ndidi sustained an injury,” he explained.
Despite the depleted squad, Chelle insisted that the goal remains unchanged: winning.
“As always when you play a football match, the objective is to win,” he said. “We know it won’t be easy. Russia is a strong side and it will be a very difficult match because of the quality they have.”
Friday’s clash will be the first-ever senior meeting between Nigeria and Russia. While the Russian national team has been absent from competitive international tournaments since 2022, they demonstrated their attacking firepower recently with a 5-0 win over Zambia.
Chelle, who led the Super Eagles to victory at the Unity Cup in London, is using the friendly to build team chemistry and assess new players ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The Super Eagles’ evolving identity under Chelle features a blend of youth and experience, with fresh talents from both the domestic league and European clubs getting their chance to impress.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (6 p.m. Nigerian time) at the Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria Squad vs Russia – Full List
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, 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 (Nantes, France)
Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar, Russia)
Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
