Nigeria have lost midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and defender Akpe Victory to injury four days before their friendly against Russia.
The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed that both players had withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad after suffering fitness problems. Ndidi plays for Besiktas, while Victory is with FC Basel.
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has called up Vince Osuji of Tromsø and John Otomewo of Stade de Reims as replacements for the injured pair.
The latest setbacks leave Nigeria without nine regular starters, including forward Victor Osimhen, further weakening Chelle’s squad for the match in Nizhny Novgorod.
The absences come despite Nigeria making a successful start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with preparations for the meeting with Russia now presenting Chelle with a growing selection challenge.
