Nigeria Vs Russia: 19 Players In Camp, Three Have A Point To Prove

Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle Russia in a friendly encounter later tonight at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with kick-off set for 6:00pm Nigerian time. Eric Chelle's side will hope to return to winning ways after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. 

Only 19 Players Available for Selection 

The three-time African champions will be without seven invited players who withdrew due to injuries, their clubs' refusal to release them, and a residence permit issue.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi picked up a knock against Guinea-Bissau, while Basel defender Victory Akpe won't join the team for a similar reason. 

As for Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola and Moses Usor, their clubs reportedly stopped them from linking up with the rest of the team in Russia. 

Slavia Prague's Suleiman Mubarak also missed the trip because his residence permit was not secured. At the time of this report, only 19 players are available for tonight's encounter.

Three Players With A Point To Prove

While the withdrawals prevent some players from showcasing their ability and gaining Chelle's trust, they give the others an opportunity to remind the manager what they can offer to the team. 

These three players have a point to prove to the fans and the coach:

Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho, despite his experience and form, surprisingly has a point to prove to unconvinced Super Eagles fans.

There was massive outrage on social media when Eric Chelle included him in the list, as many believe a player in the Turkish second division didn't deserve an invitation regardless of form.

Considering his present rich vein of form, which has seen him score 11 goals in eight league games for Bursaspor, the former Manchester City man largely merits his recall.

However, tonight's encounter offers him a rare opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and remind Nigerians why he has played under every Super Eagles manager since 2015.

Chibuzo Nwoko

A lot has been written and said about Chibuzo in the local media, as pundits describe the Fulham youth teamer as one player to watch.

Born in London, the Fulham youngster earned his debut call-up to the Super Eagles following an impressive run of form which saw him play 22 times on loan at Forest Green Rovers last season and made his Fulham first-team debut against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on August 27.

Known for his ball-carrying ability, his passing from deep and his versatility to play as a six, eight or 10, all eyes will be on him as Eric Chelle continues his search for reliable and capable reinforcement in his midfield. 

Samuel James

Samuel James is another youngster with plenty to prove. The 20-year-old goalkeeper, who came through Mavlon FC, received his first senior Super Eagles invitation after his progress at Finnish side SJK Seinäjoki.

James moved to Finland in 2025 and developed his game with the club's reserve side, SJK Akatemia, where he made 17 league appearances last season. 

Having joined the senior setup, Eric Chelle decided to hand him a debut invitation as part of Dream Team VI preparation for Olympics qualifiers. 

If given the nod to start ahead of Nwabali and Ikorodu City's Michael Atata, the Russia friendly is a golden chance for the young shot-stopper to show Chelle that he can become part of his long-term plan.

Final Verdict 

The absence of Ndidi, Onyedika and the other withdrawn players has handed Eric Chelle a chance to look at fresh talent. 

For Iheanacho, it is a chance to silence the critics; for Nwoko and James, it is an opportunity to make a first impression that could earn them a place in the long-term plans of the national team.