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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has made two changes to his squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia following the withdrawals of captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Victory Akpe.
Midfielder John Otomewo and defender Vince Osuji have been called up as replacements, with both players in line to make their senior international debuts.
Otomewo recently joined French Ligue 2 club Stade de Reims from Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Jerusalem, while Osuji plays for Norwegian club Tromsø after leaving Belgian side Club Brugge this summer.
Ndidi was initially named captain of the 24-man squad but withdrew from the fixture. No official reason has been given for his absence.
Akpe, who received his first senior invitation for the Russia friendly, is also unavailable for the encounter.
Nigeria will face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, as Chelle continues to assess his squad and expand his options ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
The Nigerian team arrived in Russia on Friday, with the delegation reaching Moscow ahead of the friendly.
Chelle’s original squad included experienced players such as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.
Kelechi Iheanacho has also returned to the national team, while Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and midfielder Aderemi Adeoye are among the players seeking their first senior appearances.
The friendly will provide Chelle with another opportunity to assess emerging talents and strengthen his options ahead of Nigeria’s next competitive assignments.
Nigeria and Russia last met in June 2025, when the Super Eagles held the hosts to a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
