Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, leaving coach Eric Chelle without one of his key midfielders for Tuesday’s encounter in Nizhny Novgorod.
Ndidi, who plays for Besiktas, was included in Chelle’s squad for the October 6 fixture but will not feature in the game. The reason for his withdrawal has not been disclosed.
The development comes as the Super Eagles begin preparations for the friendly following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Members of the coaching staff and some Nigeria Premier Football League players invited for the Russia trip departed the country on Thursday, while the foreign-based players are expected to join the squad.
Chelle, who did not return to Nigeria with the team after the Guinea-Bissau defeat, is also expected to meet up with the players in Russia.
The Franco-Malian coach has retained several experienced players for the friendly, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Kelechi Iheanacho has also returned to the squad after an absence, with his recent form for Bursaspor expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attacking options.
However, Ndidi’s absence provides an opportunity for Chelle to assess other midfield options as Nigeria prepare for the Russia test.
Several players could also make their senior international debuts, including Benfica’s Peter Edopolor, Famalicão’s Abubakar Umar, Hradec Králové’s Abdullahi Umar, Basel’s Victory Akpe and Fulham’s Chibuzo Nwoko.
Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and midfielder Aderemi Adeoye are also in contention for their first appearances for the Super Eagles.
Other potential debutants include Alverca’s Isaac James, Vendsyssel’s Stephen Michael, Kristiansund’s Igor Wilfred, Al Wasl’s Ridwan Abdulrasaq and Slavia Prague’s Suleiman Mubarak.
Nigeria’s meeting with Russia is scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The friendly is also expected to serve as part of Nigeria’s broader preparations for the country’s football calendar, including the Olympic Eagles’ 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Nigeria received a bye into the second round of the Olympic qualifying series and will begin their campaign in November.
The Russia game therefore gives Chelle an opportunity to assess a wider pool of players, with several newcomers included in the squad.
Discussion0