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Super Eagles Name Strong XI for Russia Friendly as Boniface and Uche Lead the Line

Posted : 06 June 2025

Nigeria are expected to field a strong side for Friday’s international friendly against Russia at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium (kick-off 18:00 local time), with Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface and Getafe’s Chrisantus Uche leading the line.

Nigeria's Probable Starting XI vs Russia (4‑3‑3)

Goalkeeper

  • Maduka Okoye (Udinese) – Confirmed starter.

Defenders

  • William Troost‑Ekong (Al‑Kholood) – Vice-captain, central defender
  • Semi Ajayi (West Brom) or Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) – Centre-back options
  • Bright Osayi‑Samuel (Fenerbahçe) – Right-back with attacking intent
  • Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos) – Left-back, energetic on the flank

Midfielders

  • Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) – Midfield anchor
  • Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru (Lazio) – Creative link
  • Chrisantus Uche (Getafe) – Emerging starter, central role

Forwards

  • Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) – Main striker
  • Moses Simon (Nantes) – Pace on the wing
  • Tolu Arokodare, Nathan Tella, or Sadiq Umar – Final attacking slot based on form

Head coach Eric Chelle has had to reinvent his squad following withdrawals by senior players including Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Ndidi due to injuries and personal issues.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie predicts the starting attack will include Simon, Chukwueze (if fit), and either Iheanacho or Boniface — validating the prominence of Boniface and Uche in the coach’s setup.

Expect a balanced Nigerian lineup: Boniface leads the frontline, supported by Simon’s pace and Baba’s creativity. Uche partners midfield anchors Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru to offer both control and forward thrust. Defensively, the back four will burden Russia’s attack with organization and pace, while Okoye remains between the sticks.

This match offers Nigeria a key test ahead of AFCON 2025 and World Cup qualifying – it’s a chance for fresh faces like Uche to stamp their mark on the national team stage.

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