Super Eagles Camp Rises to 19 Ahead of Russia Friendly

Posted : 06 October 2026

The Super Eagles are expected to have 19 players available in camp ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, following the late invitation of FC Rostov winger Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ajasa was called up as a replacement for Birmingham City defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was among several players ruled out of the fixture. The 21-year-old Rostov player was expected to join the squad in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday as head coach Éric Chelle continued preparations for the encounter.

The Nigeria Football Federation had initially named a 24-man squad for the fixture, but injuries, club restrictions, and other administrative issues significantly reduced the number of players available to Chelle.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi withdrew after picking up a minor injury during Nigeria’s recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while Raphael Onyedika was prevented from travelling by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was also ruled out through injury, while other players faced club-release and documentation issues.

With the changes, 18 players were in Russia ahead of Ajasa’s expected arrival.

The players who participated in the team’s training sessions include goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Michael Atata, and Samuel James, while the defensive options feature Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Abdullahi Bewene.

In midfield, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, and Aderemi Adeoye have been involved, while the attacking options include Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, and Abdullahi Umar.

Moses Simon remains the most experienced player in the group, while goalkeeper Nwabali and forwards Iheanacho and Adams are among the more established names available to Chelle.

The Super Eagles have already held training sessions in Nizhny Novgorod as they prepare for their second meeting with Russia in 16 months. The first encounter, played at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in June 2025, ended 1-1, with Tolu Arokodare scoring Nigeria’s equaliser after Russia had taken the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal.

Tuesday’s fixture will give Chelle an opportunity to assess several players, particularly some of the less experienced members of his squad, as Nigeria continue to build towards upcoming international assignments.

The match is scheduled for the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6. The venue, which hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has a capacity of more than 44,000 spectators.

Despite the depleted squad, the friendly represents an important opportunity for Chelle to experiment with his options and give some of the newer players valuable exposure at senior international level.

Super Eagles players in camp

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Michael Atata, Samuel James

Defenders: Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene

Midfielders: Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Aderemi Adeoye

Forwards: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, Abdullahi Umar

Late call-up: Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa

Super Eagles Camp Rises to 19 Ahead of Russia Friendly

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics