Chelle Makes Two Changes to Super Eagles Squad After Ndidi’s Withdrawal

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has made two changes to Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming international friendly against Russia following the withdrawals of captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Akpe Victory.

Midfielder John Otomewo and defender Vince Osuji have been called up to replace the two players, with both newcomers now in line to make their senior international debuts for Nigeria.

Otomewo, a defensive midfielder, recently joined French Ligue 2 club Stade de Reims from Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Jerusalem. The 19-year-old had established himself as a regular starter before making the move to France.

Osuji, meanwhile, plays as a centre-back for Norwegian club Tromsø. He joined the club from Belgian side Club Brugge during the summer and has already featured in league football this season.

Ndidi was initially named captain of Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Russia friendly. However, the midfielder subsequently withdrew from the team. The reason for his withdrawal has not been officially disclosed.

Akpe Victory, who received his first senior invitation for the fixture, is also unavailable after withdrawing from the squad.

Nigeria will face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6. The match is expected to give Chelle an opportunity to assess a wider pool of players as he continues to shape his squad.

The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

Nigeria have since travelled to Russia for the friendly, with the delegation arriving in Moscow on Friday.

The match will be Nigeria’s second senior meeting with Russia. The two sides drew 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025, when Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser.

Chelle’s latest changes provide Otomewo and Osuji with an opportunity to make their first appearances for the senior national team.