Super Eagles Hit With Major Blow As Wilfred Ndidi Pulls Out Of Russia Friendly

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Nizhny Novgorod.

Ndidi, who plays for Turkish club Besiktas, was initially included in head coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. However, the midfielder will no longer be available for the fixture, while the reason for his withdrawal has not been disclosed.

According to Bush Radio Academy, members of the Super Eagles’ backroom staff and some Nigeria Premier Football League players invited for the friendly departed Nigeria on Thursday as preparations for the match intensified. The foreign-based players are expected to join the squad directly in Russia, while Chelle is also expected to link up with the team there after travelling separately.

The coach’s squad features several experienced players, including Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.

Kelechi Iheanacho is also back in the squad after missing Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau. His return provides another attacking option for the team, particularly with Victor Osimhen unavailable for the friendly.

The Russia fixture will also provide an opportunity for several players to make their senior international debuts. Among those receiving first-time invitations are Benfica goalkeeper Peter Edopolor, Abubakar Umar of Famalicão, Abdullahi Umar of Hradec Králové, Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and SJK FC goalkeeper Samuel James.

Other players hoping to earn their first Super Eagles appearances include Isaac James, Victory Akpe, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Ridwan Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak and Aderemi Adeoye.

Nigeria’s meeting with Russia comes after the Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest 2027 AFCON qualifying match. The two nations previously played a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025, with Tolu Arokodare scoring Nigeria’s equaliser.