 |
| Photo credit — Super Eagles Training |
The Super Eagles have begun final preparations for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia after holding their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod.
Head coach Éric Chelle is dealing with a growing list of absences in defence and midfield. Full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel has become the latest senior player to withdraw from the squad, joining captain Wilfred Ndidi and centre-back Victory Akpe on the sidelines for the October 6 fixture.
Ndidi stepped away after picking up a knock during the recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying window, while Akpe suffered a training-ground injury. In response, Chelle has already called up Stade Reims midfielder John Otomewo and Tromsø defender Vince Osuji. The technical team is now searching for a suitable late replacement for Osayi-Samuel to strengthen the back line.
RECOMMENDED ▶︎ Njideka spotted in Wilfred Ndidi’s No. 4 jersey at Nigeria vs Madagascar – fans react”
First Training Session Completed
Seventeen players took part in the opening session on Saturday. Among those who trained were experienced winger and stand-in captain Moses Simon, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams, along with defenders Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez.
The squad will complete further sessions on Sunday and Monday before facing Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time.
Players and officials arrived in Russia via different routes, travelling through Istanbul and Addis Ababa before reaching Moscow and then continuing to Nizhny Novgorod. The team is adapting to cold conditions in the host city as they complete the final chapter of a busy three-match international window.
Looking Back at the Previous Meeting
This will be only the second senior meeting between Nigeria and Russia. When the sides first faced each other at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in June 2025, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Russia took the lead in the 27th minute through an own goal by Semi Ajayi. Nigeria equalised in the 71st minute when Tolu Arokodare scored his first senior international goal.
RECOMMENDED ▶︎ Coach Amaraizu Says the Country Must Rebuild Football from Schools and Communities
What This Friendly Means
Coming after a difficult 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in AFCON qualifying, the Russia game offers Chelle a valuable opportunity to assess squad depth, integrate new call-ups, and test combinations under match conditions.
Despite the absences of several regulars, a core group of experienced players remains available. The coaching staff will look to use the remaining training days to fine-tune tactics and give opportunities to those seeking to force their way into the regular setup.
Nigeria will be aiming for a positive result and a stronger performance as they continue shaping the squad for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
Post a Comment