Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, dealing a blow to coach Eric Chelle ahead of the encounter, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Besiktas midfielder was named in Chelle’s 24-man squad for the October 6 fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but will no longer be available for the game, although the reason for his withdrawal has not been confirmed.

Meanwhile, members of the Super Eagles’ backroom staff and some Nigeria Premier Football League players invited for the friendly departed Nigeria on Thursday, with foreign-based players expected to join the team in Russia.

Chelle, who did not return with the team from Guinea-Bissau following their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat, is also expected to link up with the squad in Russia.

The Franco-Malian coach named a squad featuring experienced internationals Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.

Kelechi Iheanacho also returns to the squad after an absence, with the in-form Bursaspor forward among the players expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attack.

Several players have also been handed opportunities to 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 make their first appearances for the Super Eagles.

Other potential debutants include 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’ disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest AFCON 2027 qualifier.