By Akinwale Kasali
The mass Withdrawal that has rocked the Super Eagles camp ahead of their International Friendly against Russia has put Coach Eric Chelle in a Fix.
The large number of withdrawals and injuries to some players have combined to alter the list of players who will appear for Nigeria in Friday’s international friendly match in Moscow, from the original list drawn up by Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Chelle.
The goalkeeping sector is unaffected as first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was not listed for the trip in the first place, as a result of the upcoming burial rites for his late parents.
Italy-based Udinese Football Club Goaltender, Maduka Okoye and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie will still fight for the starting shirt in the Friendly match.
At the rearguard is Super Eagles Captain, William Troost Ekong who is presently in Moscow, Russia, alongside Fenerbache Football Club of Turkey defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, joining the Unity Cup trio of Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu.
However, Nottingham Forest Football Club defender, Ola Aina excused himself from the friendly, and Coach Chelle has had to draft in the Unity Cup duo of Sodiq Ismaila and Benjamin Fredericks into the squad that made it to Russia.
Former junior international, Fredericks impressed on his debut against Jamaica last Saturday, where the Super Eagles triumph against the Reggae Boys of Jamaica after a 2-2 stalemate, with the African powerhouse winning 5-4 on penalties to lift the Unity Cup.
In the midfield, injury to Wilfred Ndidi has handed Enugu Rangers’ ace, Saviour Isaac the opportunity to shine.
Isaac is a key member of the Super Eagles B Team, who is presently preparing to hoist the Nation’s flag at the African Nations Championship, CHAN, finals in August 2025.
He will join Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Papa Daniel Mustapha to fight for shirts in the middle of the pack.
At the fore, Unity Cup ace of Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Iheanacho, have excused themselves to attend to family matters, while Spain-based forward, Sadiq Umar has suffered an injury.
Nathan Tella’s United Kingdom passport is undergoing a renewal process, so he is unable to travel.
This situation has left Chelle with only Victor Boniface, Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, and he has had to call up Russia-based former Junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar FC.in the Russian League.
The Team arrived in Moscow on Monday, and began training sessions on Tuesday.
The match will take place at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, which is the largest football stadium in Russia and the ninth-largest in the whole of Europe.
The Super Eagles players to battle the Russia Team include;
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)
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