The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has clarified the circumstances behind the withdrawal of captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and five other players from the Super Eagles’ friendly match against Russia, citing injury setbacks, club restrictions, and documentation issues.
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In an official statement released by its Media Department, the NFF confirmed that Ndidi sustained a minor knock during Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau last week, while FC Basel defender Victory Akpe was similarly ruled out on medical grounds.
The federation further noted that three players were withheld by their respective clubs, while documentation complications affected the remaining squad members.
The administrative and physical setbacks leave head coach Éric Chelle managing a reduced squad as the team seeks to rebuild momentum following a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
A core group of 18 players participated in Sunday’s session, with FC Rostov defender Ibrahim Ajasa subsequently joining the camp as a late call-up to bring total player availability to 19.
The Super Eagles conducted their final pre-match training session at 7:30 p.m. local time on Monday ahead of the international fixture.
CULLED FROM PUNCH
