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 Akpe Victory.
Midfielder John Otomewo and defender Vince Osuji have been called up to replace the duo, with both players in line to make their senior international debuts against Russia on Tuesday.
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, who was initially named captain of the 24-man squad, withdrew from the fixture, although the reason for his absence has not been officially disclosed.
Akpe, who received his first senior call-up 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 players and expand his options ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Nigeria opened the qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
The Super Eagles have also arrived in Russia ahead of the friendly, with the Nigerian delegation reaching Moscow on Friday.
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 is also part of the squad after returning to the national team, while the friendly will give Chelle another opportunity to assess emerging players.
Several other players are in line to make their senior international debuts, including Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and midfielder Aderemi Adeoye.
Other potential debutants include Benfica forward Peter Edopolor, Hradec Králové striker Abdullahi Umar, Fulham midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko Nwoko, Slavia Prague’s Suleiman Mubarak and Famalicão’s Abubakar Umar.
Nigeria and Russia last met in June 2025, when the Super Eagles held the hosts to a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.