Ndidi pulls out of friendly match against Russia

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has pulled out of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday. This is a setback for coach Eric Chelle ahead of the match, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Ndidi, who plays for Besiktas, was part of Chelle’s 24-man squad for the October 6 game at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Now, he will not be available for the match, but the reason for his withdrawal is not clear.

Meanwhile, some members of the Super Eagles’ support staff and a few players from the Nigeria Premier Football League have left Nigeria on Thursday. The foreign-based players are expected to join the team in Russia.

Chelle did not travel back with the team from Guinea-Bissau after their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying loss. He is also expected to meet with the squad in Russia.

The Franco-Malian coach has named a squad that includes experienced players like Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika, and Akor Adams.

Kelechi Iheanacho is back in the squad after some time away. The Bursaspor forward is among the players who can boost Nigeria’s attack.

Some players are getting their first chance to play for the national team, including Peter Edopolor from Benfica, Abubakar Umar from Famalicão, and Abdullahi Umar from Hradec Králové.

Goalkeepers Michael Atata from Ikorodu City and Samuel James from SJK FC are also looking to make their first appearances for the Super Eagles.

Other players who could make their debuts include Isaac James from Alverca, Victory Akpe from Basel, Chibuzo Nwoko from Fulham, Stephen Michael from Vendsyssel, Igor Wilfred from Kristiansund, Ridwan Abdulrasaq from Al Wasl, Suleiman Mubarak from Slavia Prague, and Aderemi Adeoye from Ikorodu City.

Nigeria will play against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday. This friendly comes after the Super Eagles suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their last AFCON 2027 qualifier.