Nigeria's Super Eagles Swap Six Players Ahead of Friendly Clash with Russia 🇷🇺
Alterations to Super Eagles of Nigeria Squad due to Injuries and Withdrawals prior to the Friendly Match in Russia
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced some changes to the Super Eagles squad amid a flurry of injuries and personal reasons that have forced key players to withdraw before their friendly match against Russia.
The high-profile absences include Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and striker Sadiq Umar, who have been sidelined with injuries, just as the Super Eagles touched down in Moscow.
Star forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho find themselves excused due to pressing family matters, while Nathan Tella remains stranded, as his UK passport is undergoing renewal.
Navigating these last-minute setbacks, head coach Chelle has promptly drafted replaceements from the victorious Unity Cup squad. Notable additions include Brentford FC defender Benjamin Fredericks and Remo Stars' Sodiq Ismaila.
William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, and Igoh Ogbu constitute the compelling defensive setup.
In midfield, Enugu Rangers sensation Saviour Isaac receives a surprising call-up following Ndidi's withdrawal. Isaac, a rising star in the Eagles B team gearing up for the African Nations Championship finals in August, teams up with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha.
The attacking line has likewise been slimmed down to the reliable trio of Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare. As Bolstering reinforcements, Chelle has summoned Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun, a former junior international and Krasnodar FC player.
In goal, the duo of Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy) and Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) share responsibility, with first-choice Stanley Nwabali missing due to burial rites for his late parents.
The team resumes training in Moscow on Tuesday, preparing for their third and final match of the international window, following their triumphant victory in the Unity Cup held in London. Amid the disruptions, enthusiasm remains buoyant as the Super Eagles aim to maintain their stellar form and exhibit the depth of their formidable squad against Russia. 🔥
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The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has drafted replacements from the victorious Unity Cup squad to fill in for the injured and unavailable Super Eagles players, including Benjamin Fredericks and Sodiq Ismaila.
Enugu Rangers sensation Saviour Isaac gets a surprise call-up to the Super Eagles squad following Wilfred Ndidi's withdrawal, teaming up with Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika in midfield.
Amid the disruptions, Olakunle Olusegun, a Russia-based forward and former junior international, is summoned to bolster the Super Eagles' attacking line.
