The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that at least seven members of the Super Eagles will miss Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia due to injuries, club restrictions and administrative issues involving residence permits.
Among those ruled out are captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Usor, Akpe Victory, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola and Suleiman Mubarak.
According to the NFF’s latest update, Ndidi picked up a knock during Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, ruling the midfielder out of the upcoming encounter.
With the list of absentees growing, the technical crew has moved to strengthen the squad. Vince Osuji has been called up to replace the injured Akpe Victory, while Reims midfielder John Otomewo has been drafted in as a replacement for Ndidi.
Several other players, however, will remain unavailable after their clubs prevented them from joining the national team. Raphael Onyedika of Frankfurt, Bright Osayi-Samuel of Birmingham, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola of Al-Wasl and Moses Usor of LASK were all withheld by their respective clubs.
The growing number of absentees leaves the Super Eagles with reduced options as they prepare for the high-profile friendly against Russia.
