Chelle Faces Selection Crisis As 19 Super Eagles Players Make Russia Camp

Nineteen Super Eagles players are currently in camp in Nizhny Novgorod ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia, with FC Rostov forward Ibrahim Ajasa the latest arrival.

Ajasa joined the squad on October 5, bringing the number of available players to 19 as head coach Éric Chelle continues preparations for the encounter.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Super Eagles have faced several challenges ahead of the friendly, with injuries, club restrictions and administrative issues affecting the team’s squad.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel defender Victor Akpe have been ruled out of the game due to injuries. Meanwhile, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika and Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were unable to travel after their respective clubs declined to release them for the fixture.

Moses Usor, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, will also miss the encounter after his Austrian club, LASK, refused to release him despite a request from Chelle.

Another invited player, Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague, could not make the trip after failing to obtain the required residence permit.

The setbacks have reduced Chelle’s options as the Super Eagles seek to make the most of the friendly against Russia and continue preparations for upcoming international assignments.

The team is scheduled to hold its final training session on Monday night before facing Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

The players currently in camp are Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali, Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, Wilfred Igor, Samuel James, Kenneth Igboke, Chibuzor Nwoko, Umar Abubakar, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Bewene, Umar Abdullai, Atata Michael, Aderemi Adeoye, Isaac James, Michael Stephen and Ibrahim Ajasa.