Seven players withdraw from Super Eagles camp ahead of tomorrow's Russia friendly

SEVEN  players have withdrawn from the Super Eagles’ international friendly against Russia over the last few days forcing the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to draft in several last minute replacements just so the game can go ahead.

Tomorrow, Nigeria will face Russia in a friendly game at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but after two African nations Cup qualifiers over the last week, several players have been pulled out of the match by their clubs. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Usor, Akpe Victor, Ridwan Popoola and Bright Osayi-Samuel have all pulled out of the game, forcing the NFF to issue an explanation, attributing the withdrawals of Ndidi and Basel defender Akpe Victory to injuries.

An NFF spokesman said: “Captain Wilfred Ndidi was knocked out by a small knock sustained during last week’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau. Then, Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe, has been stopped from flying to Russia by injury.”

In addition to those carrying injuries, the trio of Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Popoola have been withdrawn from the friendly by their clubsides. Following the depletion of the squad, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle handed a late invitation to Moses Usor, who marked his recent national team debut against Madagascar with a goal.

“Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was stopped from travelling to Russia by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were stopped by their clubs.

“Austria-based Moses Usor, who scored on his debut for Nigeria against Madagascar in Uyo on 25th September, was not originally listed for the trip. However, when eventually he was requested by head coach Éric Chelle, Lask FC told him he should not fly to Russia,” the NFF spokesman added.

Slavia Prague forward Suleiman Mubarak, who was in contention to make his Super Eagles debut against Russia, has also been ruled out of the encounter due to issues surrounding his residence permit. The latest wave of withdrawals represents a major setback for Mr Chelle as he looks to guide the team back to winning ways following their disappointing 0-3 loss to Guinea-Bissau.

Despite the withdrawals, Nigeria will be keen to secure a victory against Russia, having played out a 1-1 draw in their previous friendly meeting at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium 16 months ago. There are currently 19 players on camp for the game, which will be played tomorrow.