The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that at least seven members of the Super Eagles squad will be unavailable for Tuesday’s international friendly match against Russia due to injuries, club refusals, and administrative complications involving residence permits.
The depleted roster will miss several key figures, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Usor, Akpe Victory, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, and Suleiman Mubarak.
According to the federation’s official update, captain Wilfred Ndidi sustained a knock during the team’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
In response to the growing absentee list, technical staff called up Vince Osuji to replace the injured Akpe Victory, while Reims midfielder John Otomewo was drafted into the squad to cover for Ndidi.
Meanwhile, European and regional clubs have blocked several other call-ups from traveling. The quartet of Raphael Onyedika (Frankfurt), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham), Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola (Al-Wasl), and Moses Usor (LASK) were all withheld by their respective clubs, further limiting tactical options for the coaching crew ahead of the high-profile fixture in Russia.