By Victor Okoye

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been weakened by club restrictions and injuries ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia’s senior men’s national team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Captain Wilfred Ndidi was ruled out after sustaining a minor knock during last week’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was also prevented from travelling to Russia after his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, declined to release him for the friendly.

Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were similarly stopped by their clubs from joining the squad.

Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe also missed the trip after sustaining an injury, further reducing the options available to Head Coach Éric Chelle.

Austria-based Moses Usor, who scored on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar in Uyo on Sept. 25, was initially not listed for the trip.

However, after Chelle requested his release, LASK FC instructed the player not to travel to Russia for the friendly.

Suleiman Mubarak, invited from Slavia Prague of Czechia, was also unable to travel because his residence permit had not been secured.

The setbacks have left Nigeria with a depleted squad for the encounter against Russia, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in Moscow 16 months ago.

The late invitee, Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov, was expected to join the team’s camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening.

18 SUPER EAGLES IN RUSSIA FOR FRIENDLY

Goalkeepers: Michael Atata (Ikorodu City); Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Abdullahi Bewene (FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia).

Midfielders: Chibuzo Nwoke (Fulham FC, England); Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF, Denmark); Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund FC, Norway); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City).

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal); Abubakar Umar (FC Famalicao, Portugal); Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia). (NAN)

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