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Injuries, Club Restrictions Leave Seven Super Eagles Players Out Against Russia.

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that seven members of the Super Eagles squad will miss Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia due to injuries, club restrictions and administrative issues.

Among those unavailable are captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, forward Moses Usor, defender Victory Akpe, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola and Suleiman Mubarak.

According to the NFF, Ndidi picked up a knock during Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau and was subsequently ruled out of the friendly.

Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was also forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury.

The federation said several other players were prevented from travelling to Russia by their clubs.

Raphael Onyedika was withheld by German club Eintracht Frankfurt, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were also stopped from joining the Super Eagles in Russia.

Austrian club LASK similarly blocked Moses Usor from travelling after Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle made a late request for the forward, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar.

Suleiman Mubarak, who was hoping to make his senior international debut, was unable to travel because his residence permit had not been secured.

With the growing list of absentees, the Super Eagles technical crew drafted in replacements.

Vince Osuji was called up to replace Akpe, while Reims midfielder John Otomewo was brought in as a replacement for Ndidi.

The withdrawals have left Chelle with fewer options ahead of the encounter, particularly in midfield and defence.

Nigeria will be looking to respond positively after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their most recent AFCON qualifying fixture.

The Super Eagles will face Russia on Tuesday in an international friendly as part of their preparations for upcoming competitions.

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