Russia friendly offers fringe Super Eagles players chance to impress Chelle

Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on October 6 will provide several fringe players with an opportunity to strengthen their claims for a place in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans. The match at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium comes after Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture. Chelle has selected a group that includes experienced players such as Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali and Akor Adams, alongside players yet to establish themselves at senior international level.

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that several players will enter the senior camp for the first time. Their performances in Russia could influence whether they become regular options for the coach. Kelechi Iheanacho is among the most experienced players seeking to rebuild his international position.

The 29-year-old has not played for Nigeria since the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica and was omitted from Chelle’s 2025 AFCON squad. His recent club form has improved his prospects. Playing for Bursaspor in Turkey, Iheanacho has scored in each of his first eight league appearances, registering 11 goals and two assists.

His latest two goals helped the club beat Batman Petrolspor 2-1 away. Twenty-year-old centre-back Victory Akpe is another player under examination. The FC Basel defender has started all seven of the club’s Swiss Super League matches this season, recording 630 minutes, one goal and one assist.

Isaac James, who can play in defensive and midfield roles, has also been included. He appeared in all seven Primeira Liga matches for Alverca before the September break and contributed two assists, but did not play in Nigeria’s qualifying matches. Striker Umar Abubakar completes another notable part of the new group.

He scored 21 goals in 27 matches for Jong Gent during a loan spell before moving to Portuguese top-flight side Famalicão.