The Super Eagles are expected to have 19 players available for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod following the late invitation of FC Rostov winger Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Ajasa was called up to replace Birmingham City defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was ruled out of the encounter alongside several other players unavailable to head coach Éric Chelle.
The 21-year-old Rostov winger was expected to join the Nigerian delegation in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday as preparations continued for the friendly.
The Nigeria Football Federation initially named a 24-man squad for the fixture, but injuries, club restrictions and administrative issues have significantly reduced the number of players available to Chelle.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi withdrew after picking up a minor injury during Nigeria’s recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while Raphael Onyedika was unable to travel after being prevented from joining the squad by his German club.
Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was also ruled out through injury, with other players affected by club-release and documentation issues.
With Ajasa still expected to link up with the squad, 18 players had already participated in training sessions in Russia.
The goalkeeping options available to Chelle are Stanley Nwabali, Michael Atata and Samuel James.
Defensively, Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez and Abdullahi Bewene have been involved in training.
The midfield group consists of Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred and Aderemi Adeoye, while the attacking options include Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar and Abdullahi Umar.
Moses Simon is the most experienced player in the group, while Nwabali, Iheanacho and Adams are among the other established Super Eagles names available for the encounter.
Nigeria have already held training sessions in Nizhny Novgorod ahead of their second meeting with Russia in 16 months.
The first encounter between both nations ended 1-1 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in June 2025, with Tolu Arokodare scoring Nigeria’s equaliser after Russia had taken the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal.
Tuesday’s friendly will provide Chelle with an opportunity to assess several players, particularly those with limited international experience, as the Super Eagles continue preparations for their upcoming assignments.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6. The stadium, which hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has a capacity of more than 44,000 spectators.
Despite the reduced squad, the fixture will give Chelle the chance to experiment with his options and expose some of the newer players to senior international football.
Super Eagles Players in Camp
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Michael Atata, Samuel James
Defenders: Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene
Midfielders: Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Aderemi Adeoye
Forwards: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, Abdullahi Umar
Late call-up: Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa