Super Eagles Captain Ndidi Withdraws From Russia Friendly

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, handing head coach Eric Chelle another concern ahead of the encounter.

The Beşiktaş midfielder was named in Chelle’s 24-man squad for the October 6 fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but is now expected to miss the match.

The reason for Ndidi’s withdrawal has not been officially confirmed, although it could be related to the injury he sustained during Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in last Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.

Ndidi’s absence would be another setback for Chelle, who is expected to use the Russia friendly to assess new players and make changes following Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

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

Chelle, who did not return to Nigeria with the team following the Guinea-Bissau defeat, is also expected to link up with the squad in Russia.

Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the squad after an absence, with the Bursaspor forward among the players expected to provide additional firepower in attack.

Chelle has also handed several players their first senior call-ups as he continues to widen his options ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Among the potential debutants are Benfica defender Peter Edopolor, Famalicão’s Abubakar Umar and Hradec Králové’s Abdullahi Umar.

Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and SJK FC goalkeeper Samuel James have also been invited and could make their Super Eagles debuts.

Other players hoping to earn their first caps 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 as Chelle begins preparations for the Super Eagles’ next competitive challenges following their 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau