The Super Eagles of Nigeria touched down in Moscow on Monday ahead of their much-anticipated international friendly clash against Russia scheduled for Friday.
Preparations are already underway, with the team’s first training session set to take place on Tuesday night.
Currently, 18 players have assembled in the camp, while two more, Bruno Onyemaechi and Olakunle Olusegun, are expected to link up with the squad on Tuesday.
According to the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, “The players arrived Moscow in different batches,” as logistics saw players coming in from various destinations.
Head coach, Eric Chelle, has had to make several adjustments to his squad due to a number of injuries and player withdrawals.
Nigeria approaches the friendly in high spirits following their successful outing at the Unity Cup, where they claimed the title for the second year running.
The Super Eagles defeated fierce rivals Ghana in the semi-finals before overcoming Jamaica 5-4 on penalties in a dramatic final. The match had ended 2-2 after regular time.
This Unity Cup victory is particularly notable as it represents the first piece of silverware under new head coach Eric Chelle, who assumed the role after Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Friday’s fixture at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, Russia’s largest and the ninth-biggest football venue in Europe, forms part of the team’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Players Currently in Camp:
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)
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)
Players Expected to Join:
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia)
