The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lamented the impact of club restrictions and injuries on the Super Eagles squad ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia.
Several invited players will miss the encounter after their clubs refused to release them, while others have been ruled out due to injuries.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi picked up a knock during Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau last week and will not feature against Russia.
Raphael Onyedika was also prevented from travelling by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were similarly stopped by their respective clubs.
Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe is another absentee after an injury ruled him out of the trip.
Austria-based Moses Usor, who scored on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, was also initially not listed for the Russia trip. However, after Head Coach Éric Chelle later called him up, his club, LASK FC, instructed him not to travel.
Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague could not join the team because his residence permit had not been secured.
The NFF said the situation has weakened the Super Eagles ahead of their meeting with Russia, with both teams having played out a 1-1 draw in Moscow 16 months ago.
Late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of FC Rostov was expected to join the Nigerian camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening.
Despite the setbacks, 18 players are currently in Russia for the friendly.
Goalkeepers: Michael Atata (Ikorodu City), Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).
Defenders: Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Abdullahi Bewene (FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia).
Midfielders: Chibuzo Nwoke (Fulham FC, England), Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF, Denmark), Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund FC, Norway), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City).
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor FC, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy), Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal), Abubakar Umar (FC Famalicao, Portugal), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia).
