Wedding bells, injuries, and paperwork: Why Dessers, Aina, others are out of Super Eagles vs Russia clash

Super Eagles of Nigeria will be without several key players when they face Russia in an international friendly scheduled for Friday, June 6, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Nigerian journalist, Tobi Adepoju, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions has been hit by a string of withdrawals due to injuries, personal commitments, and travel documentation issues.

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has been excused from the squad to attend a family engagement, with sources indicating he is getting married. Ola Aina also pulled out of the tie due to undisclosed personal issues.

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Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is sidelined with an injury, ruling him out of contention. Likewise, Sadiq Umar, who is also recovering from a knock, won’t be available for selection.

In addition, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze and Sevilla forward Kelechi Iheanacho both requested to be left out of the squad for family-related reasons.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella is dealing with passport renewal complications in the United Kingdom and has been unable to link up with the team.

Despite the absence of these regulars, head coach Eric Chelle has field a competitive squad comprising a mix of experienced internationals and standout performers from the Unity Cup-winning team.

The friendly against Russia is part of Nigeria’s preparations ahead of crucial fixtures in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.