The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that six players have withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad ahead of their international friendly against Russia scheduled for June 6.
NaijNaira learnt the absentees include key players such as Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ola Aina. These changes forced head coach Eric Chelle to make late additions to the traveling squad.
Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho pulled out due to personal reasons, while Ndidi and Sadiq Umar are sidelined by injuries. Nathan Tella will also miss the match due to passport issues in the UK.
Replacing them are a mix of home-based and Europe-based players. Sodiq Ismaila of Remo Stars and Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick were called up after impressing during the recent Unity Cup victory against Jamaica. Enugu Rangers midfielder Saviour Isaac and Krasnodar forward Olakunle Olusegun also joined the squad.
“Fredrick really impressed against Jamaica and deserves this opportunity,” a source close to the team said of the Brentford starlet.
Coach Chelle had initially named a 21-man squad specifically for the Russia fixture, a reduction from the 26-man team that featured in the Unity Cup. The friendly, to be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, serves as part of preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Nigeria Squad vs Russia
Goalkeepers:
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
- William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Brom, England)
- Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
- Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
- Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford, England)
Midfielders:
- Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
- Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
- Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Forwards:
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
- Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
- Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar, Russia)
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
