The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says injuries, club restrictions and travel issues have significantly weakened the Super Eagles ahead of their international friendly against Russia.
Nigeria will face Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, with coach Éric Chelle having only 18 players available after several members of the original squad were ruled out or prevented from travelling.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the notable absentees after picking up a knock during Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was also unable to travel after his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, stopped him from joining the national team.
Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were also prevented by their clubs from travelling. Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe is unavailable because of injury.
Austria-based forward Moses Usor is another absentee. The NFF said LASK refused to release him after Chelle later requested his inclusion. Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague also missed the trip because his residence permit had not been secured.
The setbacks have left Chelle with a squad that combines a few experienced internationals with several players seeking to establish themselves in the senior national team. Among those available are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho, and defender Benjamin Fredrick.
The Russia fixture comes only days after Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. That result has increased the importance of getting a positive performance from the friendly, although the match will not carry competitive points.
Nigeria and Russia previously met in Moscow in June 2025, when the teams played out a 1-1 draw.
Despite the reduced squad, the match offers Chelle an opportunity to assess players who could provide additional options for future Super Eagles assignments. The NFF said late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of Russian club FC Rostov was expected to join the team in camp.
For Chelle, the immediate challenge will be managing a depleted squad while giving opportunities to players who remain available. The encounter could also provide valuable preparation as Nigeria continues its international programme.