Nigeria’s preparations for Tuesday’s friendly against Russia have been hit by a wave of late withdrawals, with seven Super Eagles players now unavailable for the game in Nizhny Novgorod.
Injuries, clubs refusing to release players and even a residence permit problem have left Eric Chelle with a reshaped 18-man squad as Nigeria look to respond to their 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau.
Here are the seven players who will miss Nigeria vs Russia – and why each one is unavailable.
1. Wilfred Ndidi – Injury
The biggest absence is Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, who will not make the trip after suffering a knock during Nigeria’s defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
The Besiktas midfielder had been expected to captain Nigeria against Russia, but the injury has ruled him out.
John Otomewo of Reims has been called up as his replacement.
2. Raphael Onyedika – Club Refusal
Raphael Onyedika will also be missing from Chelle’s midfield after Eintracht Frankfurt refused to release him for the friendly.
His absence becomes particularly significant with Ndidi also unavailable, leaving Nigeria without two of their defensive midfield options for the game.
3. Moses Usor – Club Refusal
Moses Usor had been handed a late call-up following his impressive contribution during the international break, but he will not be joining the squad in Russia.
LASK refused to release the forward, instead prioritising his return to the Austrian club ahead of their upcoming domestic fixtures.
It is a frustrating absence after Usor scored in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
4. Akpe Victory – Injury
Akpe Victory is the second Super Eagles player ruled out through injury.
The Basel defender had been included in Chelle’s plans for the friendly but has now withdrawn from the squad.
Nigeria have responded by calling up Vince Osuji as his replacement, who plays for Tromso in Norway.
5. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Club Refusal
Bright Osayi-Samuel will remain with Birmingham City after the Championship club declined to release him for the trip to Russia.
The versatile defender therefore becomes another experienced option unavailable to Chelle for Tuesday’s game.
6. Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola – Club Refusal
Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola has also been prevented from joining the Super Eagles by his club.
UAE side Al-Wasl blocked the midfielder from travelling, meaning he will have to wait for another opportunity to feature for Nigeria.
7. Suleiman Mubarak – Residence Permit Issue
Perhaps the most unusual withdrawal involves Suleiman Mubarak.
The Slavia Prague attacking midfielder had been in contention to make his senior Super Eagles debut against Russia, but residence permit issues have prevented him from making the journey.
The Czech-based player was unable to secure the necessary paperwork to travel to Russia, ending his hopes of earning his first senior Nigeria cap on Tuesday.
A Much-Changed Super Eagles Squad
The seven withdrawals leave Chelle with an 18-man squad for the Russia friendly and remove several players who could have played significant roles.
Ndidi’s absence leaves Nigeria without their captain, while the loss of Onyedika further reduces Chelle’s defensive midfield options. Usor’s withdrawal also comes just days after he found the net against Madagascar.
Nigeria now head to the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles last faced Russia in June 2025, when the two nations played out a 1-1 draw in Moscow.
