The Super Eagles will be without at least seven
players for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia after injuries,
club decisions and administrative issues affected the squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that
captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Usor, Akpe Victory, Bright
Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola and Suleiman Mubarak will all miss the
encounter.
Ndidi picked up a knock during Nigeria’s recent Africa
Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, ruling the midfielder out of
the upcoming fixture.
The growing list of absentees has forced the technical
team to make changes to the squad. Vince Osuji has been brought in as a
replacement for the injured Akpe Victory, while Reims midfielder John Otomewo
has been called up to provide cover for Ndidi.
Several other players were unable to join the squad
after their clubs prevented them from travelling. Raphael Onyedika of
Frankfurt, Bright Osayi-Samuel of Birmingham, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola of
Al-Wasl and Moses Usor of LASK were among those withheld by their respective
clubs.
The absences leave the Super Eagles with fewer options
as they prepare for the high-profile friendly against Russia.
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