Super Eagles captain Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineSuper Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, handing coach Éric Chelle a fresh setback ahead of the encounter.
The Besiktas midfielder was included in Chelle’s 24-man squad for the October 6 fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but will no longer be available for the match.
The reason for Ndidi’s withdrawal has not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, members of the Super Eagles backroom staff and some Nigeria Premier Football League players invited for the friendly left Nigeria on Thursday, while the foreign-based players are expected to join the squad in Russia.
Chelle, who did not return with the team from Guinea-Bissau after Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, is also expected to meet up with the squad in Russia.
The Franco-Malian coach named a squad featuring experienced internationals including Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.
Kelechi Iheanacho has also returned to the squad after an absence, with the in-form Bursaspor forward among those expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attack.
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Several players could make their senior international debuts, including Peter Edopolor of Benfica, Abubakar Umar of Famalicão and Abdullahi Umar of Hradec Králové.
Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and SJK FC goalkeeper Samuel James are also among the newcomers hoping to earn their first appearances for the Super Eagles.
Other potential debutants are Isaac James of Alverca, Victory Akpe of Basel, Chibuzo Nwoko of Fulham, Stephen Michael of Vendsyssel, Igor Wilfred of Kristiansund, Ridwan Abdulrasaq of Al Wasl, Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague and Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City.
Nigeria will face Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, with the friendly coming after the Super Eagles suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest AFCON 2027 qualifier.
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