Chelle’s squad trained in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday night, with three senior withdrawals and a late call-up for Rostov’s Ibraheem Ajasa.
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The Super Eagles held their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday night as they prepared for Tuesday’s friendly against Russia. The team arrived in Moscow on Friday and moved to the host city after that.
Right back Bright Osayi-Samuel has become the third player to withdraw, after captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel defender Akpe Victory. No official reason has been given for Osayi-Samuel’s absence.
Reports on Ndidi and Akpe differ, with some citing injury and others saying Ndidi was rested. Fans following the squad can read Bet9ja’s promo code explained in full.
Replacements and Late Calls
John Otomewo of Reims and Tromsø’s Vince Osuji have been called up as replacements for Ndidi and Akpe. Rostov midfielder Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa has also been invited and is expected to join the camp.
The coaching staff is still looking for a right sided defensive option after Osayi-Samuel’s exit, according to The Guardian.
Who Trained
Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Akor Adams formed the core of the group in training. Pulse describes Simon as stand-in captain.
The friendly is Chelle’s first match since the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Fans who want to test their forecasts can use Super9ja’s friendly predictor on Bet9ja before kick-off.
The Game
Nigeria and Russia meet at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, with kick-off set for 6pm Nigerian time. The two sides drew 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025 in their only previous senior meeting.
Chelle wants to see how his team reacts after Guinea-Bissau, with many new faces on show.
Can a squad missing three regulars and rebuilt in a week find its shape in Nizhny Novgorod? Fans following the build-up can check the YOHAIG Bet9ja entry offer before the game.
📌 Did You Know?
- The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium is also known as the Sovcombank Arena.
- Ajasa joined Rostov in 2025.
- The Russia game is the third match of Nigeria’s October international window.
- NPFL-based players and backroom staff left Nigeria for Russia on Thursday, October 1.
- The first meeting with Russia, on June 6, 2025, came straight after Nigeria’s Unity Cup trip to London.
