Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in Russia ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the Russian national team at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The Nigerian delegation departed Abuja on Thursday and arrived at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport on Friday, with the travelling party comprising members of the technical crew and several Nigeria Premier Football League players.
Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to join the squad directly in Russia after not returning to Nigeria with the team from Guinea-Bissau, while several foreign-based players will also travel directly from their respective clubs.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn from the friendly, leaving Moses Simon as the most experienced player among those available to the Super Eagles.
Home-based players Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Kenneth Igboke are among those included as Chelle uses the fixture to assess a mixture of established internationals and emerging players.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also in the squad alongside defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams are among the midfield and attacking options.
Experienced forward Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the national team after a strong start to his spell with Turkish side Bursaspor.
Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Chibuzo Nwoko are among players hoping to make their senior international debuts, while Vince Osuji and John Otomewo were brought into the squad following the withdrawals of Ndidi and Akpe Victory.
Nigeria and Russia last met in June 2025, when the Super Eagles secured a 1-1 draw in Moscow after Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser.
Tuesday’s encounter will therefore be the second meeting between the two countries in 16 months, with Chelle expected to use the friendly to evaluate his options ahead of Nigeria’s coming international assignments.
