Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Russia, dealing another blow to head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the encounter.
Ndidi was included in Nigeria’s 24 man squad initially selected for the October 6 friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Russia. However, the experienced midfielder will no longer be available for the match.
The reason for Ndidi’s withdrawal has not been officially confirmed...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Besiktas midfielder had been expected to provide experience and leadership to a largely experimental squad assembled by Chelle for the friendly. His absence means Nigeria will be without one of its most experienced midfielders as the coach continues to assess players ahead of future international assignments.
Nigeria’s delegation has already begun making its way to Russia, with members of the technical and backroom staff as well as some players from the Nigeria Premier Football League departing the country.
Foreign based players are expected to join the team directly in Russia from their respective clubs and locations.
Chelle is also expected to link up with the squad in Russia after not returning with the team from Guinea Bissau following Nigeria’s disappointing 3 0 defeat in their latest 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.
The Russia friendly provides the coach with an opportunity to assess several players who have not featured regularly for the Super Eagles, with a number of uncapped players included in the squad.
Kelechi Iheanacho is also back in the national team setup, while Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams are among the more experienced players called up.
Several players could make their senior international debuts, including Peter Edopolor, Abubakar Umar, Abdullahi Umar, Victory Akpe, Chibuzo Nwoko and other emerging talents.
Ndidi’s withdrawal therefore comes at a time when Chelle is already using the friendly to experiment with his squad and examine alternative options.
Nigeria and Russia previously met in June 2025, with both countries playing out a 1 1 draw in Moscow. Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser after Russia had taken the lead through an own goal.
The upcoming meeting will give Nigeria another opportunity to assess its squad against international opposition, particularly after the Super Eagles suffered a heavy defeat against Guinea Bissau.
With Ndidi now unavailable, attention will turn to the midfield options Chelle has selected and the players who could take advantage of the captain’s absence to stake their claim for a more permanent role in the national team.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Russia on Tuesday, October 6, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium as preparations continue for Nigeria’s upcoming international commitments.
