‘Super Eagles Are Ready’: Chelle, Moses Simon Rally Nigeria Ahead of Russia Friendly Despite Mass Withdrawals

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle and forward Moses Simon have expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to face Russia despite a wave of withdrawals that has left the team with only 18 players available for Tuesday’s international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod.

Nigeria face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium from 7pm local time, 5pm Nigerian time, in a fixture that will give Chelle another opportunity to assess his squad and emerging options.

The build-up has been dominated by injuries, club restrictions and documentation issues, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola, Victory Akpe, Moses Usor and Suleiman Mubarak all unavailable.

Chelle revealed at Monday’s pre-match press conference that the situation initially left Nigeria with only 14 players available.

“When we were getting ready to come here, we realised we only had 14 players,” Chelle said, explaining the decision to bring in FC Rostov midfielder Ibraheem Ajasa, who was already based in Russia.

The coach said the circumstances had forced Nigeria to look for reinforcements already in the country while also creating an opportunity for younger players to demonstrate their quality.

“We started looking at those who are already in Russia,” Chelle explained.

Rather than allowing the difficult circumstances to undermine the team, Chelle believes the situation can provide a valuable platform for the less experienced members of the squad.

“For some of them, tomorrow’s match can be the most important match in their lives,” he said, urging the players to seize the opportunity against a strong Russian side.

Simon: We Came to Win

With Ndidi ruled out, Moses Simon is among the senior figures expected to provide leadership to a heavily reshaped Super Eagles squad.

The Paris FC winger was unequivocal about Nigeria’s objective, insisting that the team did not make the long journey to Russia simply to participate.

“We don’t come to the pitch to lose. We flew here for many hours and, of course, we want to win,” Simon said.

The forward also stressed that responsibility does not rest solely on the established names in the squad.

“I’m not the only star in this team. We have many good players, young and experienced. We are here to show what we can do and do everything for victory,” he added.

Russia Provide a Serious Test

Nigeria face a Russian side arriving with confidence after victories over Iran and Namibia during the current international window.

Russia defeated Iran 2-0 before producing a 6-0 demolition of Namibia, while Nigeria are seeking a response following their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.

Chelle acknowledged Russia’s strengths, particularly their aggressive pressing, and said Nigeria must match their intensity.

“We know that the Russian team presses actively and puts a lot of pressure on the opponent without the ball. I want my players to play aggressively and intensely tomorrow,” he said.

For Nigeria, however, the match offers more than a chance to secure a positive result.

It gives Chelle an opportunity to examine the character of his depleted squad, assess emerging players and identify alternatives ahead of future competitive assignments.

18 Super Eagles Players in Russia

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

With a significantly depleted squad, Chelle will be hoping the players available can turn adversity into an opportunity and deliver a competitive performance against Russia.