Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, with several new faces given the chance to stake their claim at senior level.
Nigeria will face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6, with the squad featuring a mix of experienced internationals and players yet to make their senior debuts.
Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredricks provide experience in the squad, while several less familiar names have also been included.
Goalkeepers Michael Atata of Ikorodu City and Finland-based Samuel James are among the new faces, while defenders Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Victory Akpe and Abdullahi Bewene also receive opportunities.
The midfield includes Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Ridwan Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak and Aderemi Adeoye.
Kelechi Iheanacho is one of the more familiar names in the attack, alongside Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar and Abdullahi Umar.
Iheanacho’s inclusion comes after a strong start to his spell with Bursaspor in Turkey, where he has been scoring regularly.
The Russia friendly will give Chelle an opportunity to assess the depth of his squad after Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau on September 25 and September 29 respectively.
Chelle had previously indicated that the Russia fixture would provide an opportunity to assess younger players, including overseas-based prospects, while also monitoring talent from the domestic league.
The coach is also overseeing Nigeria’s U-23 setup as preparations continue for the next Olympic cycle and the qualification route for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Isaac James, who is also part of the AFCON qualifying squad, gets another chance to work with the senior team, while the Russia selection introduces several players looking to establish themselves at international level.
Nigeria and Russia previously met during Chelle’s tenure in June 2025, playing out a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
This time, the October fixture will give Chelle an opportunity to assess a wider pool of players against international opposition.
### Nigeria Squad For Russia Friendly
Goalkeepers: Michael Atata (Ikorodu City), Samuel James (SJK), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United).
Defenders: Kenneth Igboke (Rangers), Isaac James (Alverca), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers), Victory Akpe (Basel), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt), Chibuzo Nwoko (Fulham), Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel), Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund), Ridwan Abdulrasaq (Al Wasl), Suleiman Mubarak (Slavia Prague), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City).
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Akor Adams (Venezia), Peter Edokpolor (Benfica), Abubakar Umar (Famalicao), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove).
