Super Eagles arrive in Moscow ahead of Russia friendly
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in Moscow for a friendly against Russia on October 6. Coach Eric Chelle replaced Wilfred Ndidi and Victory Akpe with Vince Osuji and John Otomewo, as Nigeria seeks to regroup after mixed results in its opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in Moscow ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia. The match is scheduled for October 6 and will be Nigeria’s second meeting with the Russian national team in 16 months. Their previous match in Moscow, in June 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Coach Eric Chelle made two changes to the squad after Wilfred Ndidi and Victory Akpe withdrew. Vince Osuji and John Otomewo were called up as replacements. The friendly comes after a mixed beginning to Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles opened Group L with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo. George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored after Madagascar took an early lead through Ehsan Kari. Nigeria then lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, with Chelle saying the hosts had shown greater aggression and intensity.
The Russia match gives the coach an opportunity to assess his options and allow several players to gain senior international experience. The selected squad includes 24 players, with some receiving their first senior invitations. Goalkeepers Michael Atata, Samuel James and Stanley Nwabali are included.
Defensive options include Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Osuji, Otomewo, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Abdullahi Bewene. The forward group includes Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar and Abdullahi Umar. Nigeria will use the fixture to regroup before its next competitive commitments.
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