Moses Simon is set to lead a new-look Nigeria side when the Super Eagles face Russia in an international friendly next Tuesday.
The Paris FC winger was part of the Nigeria group that left Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for Moscow on Thursday night ahead of the match.
Simon becomes the most senior player in the squad after captain Wilfred Ndidi withdrew from the fixture. His leadership will be central to a team assembled by head coach Eric Chelle, who has combined established internationals with several new faces.
The travelling party also includes home-based players Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Kenneth Igboke. The trio were members of the Super Eagles squad that won the Unity Cup in London in May.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is included, while the defensive options are Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Raphael Onyedika adds experience in midfield, with Akor Adams among the forwards selected for the friendly.
Chelle has also recalled experienced forward Kelechi Iheanacho following his impressive start to life with Turkish club Bursaspor.
Several players have received their first opportunities in the latest squad. Akpe Victory, Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Chibuzo Nwoko have all been called up by the Nigeria head coach.
The match will take place at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium and will be the second meeting between Nigeria and Russia in 17 months.
Their previous encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6, 2025.