Russia vs Nigeria: Chukwueze, five others withdraw from Super Eagles squad as Eric Chelle summons Brentford prodigy and three others

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have announced the withdrawal of six players from the Super Eagles camp ahead of their international friendly game game against Russia on June 6, Soccernet.ng reports.

After beating Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup on Saturday, the next assignment for the Super Eagles is a friendly game against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.

Last month, coach Chelle unveiled a 26-man squad for the Unity squad, while he named 21 players for the game against Russia.

This meant that some of the players in the Unity Cup squad were not named, while some of the regulars who could not make it back in time for the Unity Cup were called up.

Roster for the #UnityCup2025 and the International Friendly vs Russia #TheUnityCup2025 #NGARUS #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/BPc8waTP7r

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 21, 2025

However, there will be some changes to the squad for the Russia fixture as some senior players have pulled out. While others have been called up to replace them.

Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina, has excused himself from the game. And in his place, Chelle has called up Sodiq Ismaila and Brentford prodigy Benjamin Fredrick, who put up a great show against Jamaica.

Also, Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn due to an injury. As replacements, the Super Eagles coach has invited Enugu Rangers midfielder Saviour Isaac, who already has experience with the CHAN Eagles.

Then, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho have left due to personal issues, while Sadiq Umar has sustained an injury.

Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella will also miss the game, as he is undergoing a passport renewal process in the United Kingdom.

With these players absent, Chelle has named Olakunle Olusegun as replacement.

Full Super Eagles squad

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England).

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers).

Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia).