Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, October 6, in a late change to Eric Chelle’s squad for the fixture.

The Besiktas midfielder was originally named in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, but he will no longer feature in the encounter.

Key Takeaways

• Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s friendly against Russia.
• Ndidi was originally included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad.
• The reason for the midfielder’s withdrawal has not been confirmed.
• Nigeria’s preparations for the October 6 fixture are already underway.
• Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to the squad, while Victor Osimhen is unavailable according to the supplied report.
• Several players could make their senior Super Eagles debuts against Russia.

Ndidi’s Status Changed Ahead of Nigeria’s Russia Friendly

Nigeria will now prepare for the Russia friendly without Wilfred Ndidi, who has reportedly withdrawn from the squad.

The midfielder had initially been selected by Chelle for the October 6 international fixture, making his withdrawal a significant change to Nigeria’s plans ahead of the match.

However, the circumstances surrounding Ndidi’s decision remain unclear.

The available information does not confirm the reason for his withdrawal, so no specific explanation can be established from the report.

Nigeria Continues Preparations for the October 6 Fixture

While Ndidi’s availability has changed, preparations for the meeting with Russia have continued.

Members of Nigeria’s backroom staff and some of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players invited for the friendly left the country on Thursday, October 1.

The foreign-based members of the squad are expected to join the team in Russia as preparations continue for the fixture.

Chelle is also expected to link up with the squad after travelling separately following Nigeria’s latest qualifier.

The Franco-Malian coach did not return with the Super Eagles from Guinea-Bissau, where Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, according to the supplied report.

Chelle Still Has Several Senior Players Available

Despite Ndidi’s withdrawal, Nigeria’s squad still contains several experienced players ahead of the international friendly.

Among those included are Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.

Their presence gives Chelle several established options as the Super Eagles prepare for the encounter in Nizhny Novgorod.

The squad has also received a boost with the return of Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho Returns as Osimhen Remains Unavailable

Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to the Super Eagles squad after missing Nigeria’s previous AFCON qualifier.

The Bursaspor forward is expected to provide another attacking option for Chelle as Nigeria prepares for the Russia friendly.

However, Victor Osimhen is unavailable for the fixture according to the supplied report.

With both the squad selection and player availability changing ahead of the match, attention will remain on the options Chelle ultimately uses against Russia.

Several Players Could Make Their Super Eagles Debuts

The Russia friendly could also provide an opportunity for several players to make their senior international debuts.

Among the newcomers included in the squad are Peter Edopolor of Benfica, Abubakar Umar of Famalicão, Abdullahi Umar of Hradec Králové, Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and SJK FC goalkeeper Samuel James.

Other players hoping to make their first appearances for the senior national team include Isaac James, Victory Akpe, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Ridwan Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak and Aderemi Adeoye.

Their inclusion gives the Russia friendly an additional squad-development dimension, with several players potentially in line for their first senior appearances.

What Happens Next for Nigeria?

Nigeria’s immediate focus will now be on completing preparations for the October 6 friendly against Russia.

The Super Eagles are expected to continue assembling their squad in Russia ahead of the match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Chelle will have to work with the available players following Ndidi’s withdrawal while also assessing the newcomers included in the squad.

The final team selection will determine which of Nigeria’s established players and potential debutants take part in the international fixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Wilfred Ndidi withdrawn from Nigeria’s Russia friendly?

Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from the fixture, but the reason for his withdrawal has not been confirmed in the supplied report.

When will Nigeria play Russia?

Nigeria is scheduled to face Russia on Tuesday, October 6, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Was Wilfred Ndidi originally selected for the match?

Yes. Ndidi was initially included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Russia friendly.

Which players remain available for Nigeria?

The squad includes experienced players such as Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.

Has Kelechi Iheanacho returned to the Super Eagles?

Yes. Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to the squad after missing Nigeria’s previous AFCON qualifier.

Is Victor Osimhen available for the Russia friendly?

According to the supplied report, Victor Osimhen is unavailable for the fixture.

Could players make their Super Eagles debuts against Russia?

Yes. Several newcomers have been included in the squad and could make their senior international debuts against Russia.

Conclusion

Wilfred Ndidi’s withdrawal has changed Nigeria’s squad situation ahead of the Super Eagles’ October 6 friendly against Russia.

While the reason for his withdrawal remains unconfirmed, Eric Chelle still has a combination of experienced players and newcomers available for the fixture.

With Kelechi Iheanacho back in the squad and several players potentially in line for their senior debuts, the Russia friendly will also provide an opportunity to assess Nigeria’s available options.

For now, attention turns to the Super Eagles’ final preparations and the players who will represent Nigeria when the two teams meet at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.