Osimhen absence leaves Nigeria with attacking challenge, Kaita says

Former Nigeria international Sani Kaita has described Victor Osimhen’s absence as a major setback for the Super Eagles ahead of their October friendly against Russia. Osimhen is expected to miss the match while continuing his recovery from injury. Kaita told Championat that the striker’s absence would be felt, but said Nigeria still had sufficient attacking quality to manage without him.

“Of course, Osimhen’s absence is a huge loss for our team,” Kaita said. “However, Nigeria has other high-level players who can replace him, and the coaching staff has a variety of attacking options.” The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Russia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6. It will be their second meeting in 16 months, following a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.

Nigeria are also expected to be without several established internationals, including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze and Ola Aina. Despite the absences, Kaita said he anticipated a high-quality contest. The former midfielder predicted a 2-1 victory for Russia, citing the advantage of playing at home.

“I’m confident it will be a top-notch match. My prediction for the game is 2-1 for Russia,” he said. Kaita, who won an Olympic silver medal with Nigeria in 2008, played for Russian clubs Kuban Krasnodar, Lokomotiv Moscow and Alania Vladikavkaz.

He also welcomed the continuing football relationship between the two countries. The friendly will take place one week after Nigeria’s second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau and will give coach Éric Chelle another opportunity to assess his squad.