Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ preparation for the international friendly match against Russia has been hit by a couple of factors, including injuries and club restrictions among other factors.

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel midfielder Victory Akpe pulled out due to injuries, while others were reportedly stopped by their club sides.

Birmingham City defender Brighton Osayi-Samuel, who played in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, was barred by his club from taking part in the friendly.

Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Raphael Onyedika was also stopped by his club, as was LASK forward Moses Usor, who marked his debut with a goal against Madagascar. Reports suggest the club didn’t grant approval for his travel due to a late request.

Slavia Prague’s Suleiman Mubarak will also be unavailable for the match due to his residence permit issues in Czech Republic, while UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Popoola was blocked by his club.

The situation has left Eric Chelle with a seemingly thin squad ahead of Tuesday’s game in Nizhny Novgorod.

However, Rostov’s 20-year-old forward Ibraheem Ajasa is expected to join the squad ahead of the friendly.

Meanwhile, 18 players took part in the second training session on Sunday as the Super Eagles continue preparation for the tie.

18 SUPER EAGLES IN RUSSIA
Goalkeepers: Michael Atata (Ikorodu City); Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

Defenders: Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Abdullahi Bewene (FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia)

Midfielders: Chibuzo Nwoke (Fulham FC, England); Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF, Denmark); Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund FC, Norway); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City)

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal); Abubakar Umar (FC Famalicao, Portugal); Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia)