Chelle Names 24 Super Eagles for Russia Friendly as Iheanacho Returns
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, with experienced forward Kelechi Iheanacho returning to the national team setup.
Nigeria will face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with captain Wilfred Ndidi included among the players selected for the encounter.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredricks, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Victory Akpe, midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Chibuzo Nwoko, as well as forwards Moses Simon and Akor Adams, are also part of the squad.
The selection also provides opportunities for several players to make their senior international involvement, including Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James and Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe.
The Russia fixture will give Chelle another opportunity to assess his options, introduce emerging players to the senior setup and build squad depth ahead of future competitive assignments.
24 Super Eagles Players for Russia Friendly
Goalkeepers
- Chibuzor Atata
- Samuel James
- Stanley Nwabali
Defenders
- Kenneth Igboke
- Isaac James
- Benjamin Fredricks
- Emmanuel Fernandez
- Victory Akpe
- Bright Osayi-Samuel
- Abdullahi Bewane
Midfielders
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Chibuzo Nwoko
- Fumen Michael
- Georges Wilfred
- Popoola Abdulrasaq
- Suleiman Mubarak
- Jacob Adeoye
- Raphael Onyedika
Forwards
- Kelechi Iheanacho
- Edokpolor Peter
- Moses Simon
- Akor Adams
- Umar Abubakar
- Abdullahi Umar
Nigeria vs Russia
Match: Russia vs Nigeria
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Russia
Competition: International Friendly
The 24 players, comprising three goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders and six forwards.
