Super Eagles right fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel has withdrawn from the international friendly against Russia, scheduled for Tuesday at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

No official reason has been given, but he becomes the third player to pull out of the match, after Super Eagles captain Wilfred and Basel defender Victory Akpe, both due to injuries.

Osayi-Samuel was in action as Nigeria suffered a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Mame Balde drifted past the Birmingham City right-back to double the host’s lead in the 66th minute.

The Super Eagles technical crew, having replaced Ndidi and Akpe with Stade Reims midfielder John Otomewo and Tromsø defender Vince Osuji, are in a race against time to find a replacement for Osayi-Samuel as they look to strengthen the defense.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles started preparation for the friendly on Saturday with a couple of senior squad members taking part in the first training session.

Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Akor Adams form the core of the squad as the team continues to prepare ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.

Tuesday’s match offers Eric Chelle an opportunity to try out new players and also improve on the disappointing loss to Guinea-Bissau, which has put the chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations under threat after two rounds of matches.

Tolu Arokodare’s second-half goal off the bench secured a 1-1 draw in the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Russia in June 2025. A Semi Ajayi own goal had given the hosts the lead in the first half before Arokodare’s equalizer in the 71st minute.

The Luzhniki Stadium hosted the first encounter, but the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod is the venue for the second, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigeria time.
Ayomide John