Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has confirmed two changes to his squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia. The adjustments come after captain Wilfred Ndidi withdrew from the team, leaving coach Chelle to reshuffle the roster. Ndidi, a key midfielder for Beşiktaş, was named in the original 24-man squad for the October 6 match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but is now expected to miss the game. His absence adds to the challenges facing the team ahead of the encounter.
The two substitutions were made to address the loss of Ndidi and another player, though details on the second change remain unclear. John Otomewo, a midfielder, has been included in the updated squad, replacing the player who withdrew. The team will now prepare for the match with a modified lineup, focusing on maintaining competitive strength. The friendly, scheduled to take place in Russia, is part of Nigeria’s ongoing preparations for international competitions.
Ndidi’s withdrawal marks the second major change in the squad ahead of the match, following earlier adjustments. His absence is a setback for the team, as he has been a consistent performer in recent games. The Nigerian Football Federation has not yet released further details on the reasons behind his withdrawal. As the team finalizes its strategy, the focus remains on ensuring a strong performance in the friendly, which will serve as a crucial test ahead of future fixtures.
