Reims midfielder John Otomewo has been called into the Nigeria squad as a replacement for Wilfred Ndidi ahead of the Super Eagles’ international friendly against Russia on 6 October.
The 19-year-old has received a late invitation from head coach Éric Chelle, giving the youngster an opportunity to train with Nigeria’s senior side and potentially feature in the friendly.
Ndidi will miss the meeting with Russia after representing Nigeria in the recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, according to Sports247.
Otomewo’s inclusion gives Chelle another opportunity to examine his midfield options as the coach continues to expand the group of players available to the Super Eagles.
The teenager has enjoyed a promising beginning to his career in France since joining Reims during the summer from Israeli club Hapoel Jerusalem. His performances and regular involvement at club level have now earned him recognition from the Nigeria coaching staff.
Otomewo has appeared in all seven of Reims’ Ligue 2 matches this season. His continued presence in the team has made him an important part of the French club’s squad as Reims pursue promotion back to Ligue 1.
That consistency has now opened the door to senior international football, with Otomewo set to work alongside more experienced members of the Nigerian squad.
The Russia fixture is expected to give Chelle an opportunity to assess different options within his team. The coach is continuing to identify players who can add strength and depth to Nigeria’s squad for future international assignments.
For Otomewo, the invitation represents a major step in his development and an opportunity to show that he can operate at senior international level.
His progress since moving to France, combined with his involvement in every Reims league match so far this season, has put him in contention for a closer look from the Super Eagles coaching staff.
The friendly could also form part of a wider process of identifying and developing players for Nigeria’s future. The match is expected to give younger players opportunities to gain experience around the senior national team, while also contributing to the development of the country’s next generation ahead of the U23 Olympic qualifying campaign.
Otomewo’s late arrival into the squad comes as Nigeria prepare for their meeting with Russia on 6 October. His inclusion adds another young option to Chelle’s midfield following Ndidi’s withdrawal.
The focus will now be on how Chelle uses the Reims midfielder during the international assignment and whether the teenager can make a strong enough impression to establish himself within the wider Super Eagles setup.
For a player who only moved to France during the summer, the call-up represents a significant opportunity. Regular football for Reims has helped accelerate Otomewo’s progress, and his inclusion in the Nigeria squad provides him with his chance to demonstrate that his development can translate to the international stage.
The Russia friendly will therefore offer both Chelle and Otomewo an opportunity: the coach can assess another emerging midfield option, while the 19-year-old can begin his bid to earn a place among Nigeria’s senior internationals.
