Akor Adams is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack when the Super Eagles face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday, with Moses Simon set to captain a largely inexperienced side.
The match in Nizhny Novgorod comes as Nigeria look to respond to a disappointing 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their previous competitive fixture.
Several players who featured in that loss are absent from the squad for the meeting with Russia, leaving Adams, Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho among the most experienced players available to coach the Super Eagles.
Adams, who joined Venezia during the summer, is expected to spearhead the attack, while Simon, a winger with Pafis FC of France, will wear the captain’s armband.
Iheanacho provides another experienced option in attack. The former golden boy has returned to the squad after moving to Turkey from Celtic of Scotland following a failed transfer to Sevilla of Spain.
Adams himself replaced Iheanacho in Sevilla’s attack and subsequently impressed during his time with the Spanish club. His career has also included spells with Sogndal and Lillestrøm in Norway and Montpellier in France.
The trio of Adams, Simon and Iheanacho were among the most prominent members of the 18-man group involved in Nigeria’s second training session ahead of the Russia match.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, is another senior figure in the squad and is expected to play an important role against the hosts.
Nigeria’s preparations have been affected by a number of withdrawals. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Akpe Victory, Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi, who captained the team in the defeat by Guinea-Bissau, are not part of the group in Russia.
Their absence has opened the door for several less experienced players, including defenders Emmanuel Fernandez of Glasgow Rangers and Benjamin Frederick of Brentford.
A number of other players are also in camp as Nigeria field a much-changed squad. Wilfred Igor, Samuel James, Kenneth Igboke, Chibuzor Nwoko, Umar Abubakar and Peter Edokpolor are among those involved, while Abdullahi Bewene has also been invited.
Umar Abdullai, Atata Michael, Aderemi Adeoye, Isaac James and Michael Stephen complete the group listed for the fixture.
The game therefore provides an opportunity for several players to make an impression while Nigeria’s more established figures attempt to guide the younger members of the squad.
For Adams, the match carries an additional significance. The 26-year-old forward is looking to put the disappointment of the Guinea-Bissau defeat behind him while also improving his confidence following a difficult start to life with Venezia in Italy’s Serie A.
Adams said Nigeria must respond strongly and demonstrate the level expected of the Super Eagles.
“We have already set the standards very high as the Super Eagles. For me, that’s one thing we should do going into the next game. We are aware of the standards, and we should live up to them.
“For us, now there are a lot of new boys in camp. I’m happy for them, and congratulations to those who are going to make their debut. The coach has made it clear that we are here to try our best to win.
“Russia is a very good team as well, and I think they are very hungry to play games because of their peculiar situation. For us, it is about giving our best,” posited Adams, who will be aiming for his seventh international goal for Nigeria.
The forward first represented Nigeria at youth level during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup before receiving his first senior call-up for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
He scored on his senior debut against Lesotho after coming on as a substitute and later formed part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Eagles finished with a bronze medal.
Adams now has 17 senior international appearances and will be seeking his seventh goal when Nigeria meet Russia.
The Super Eagles will face a Russian side they know will be eager to play, according to Adams, while Nigeria will be aiming to restore confidence after their heavy defeat in Guinea-Bissau.
With several regular players unavailable, the responsibility will fall on the likes of Adams, Simon, Iheanacho and Nwabali to provide experience as Nigeria seek a winning response in Nizhny Novgorod.
