Full House in Moscow: Super Eagles Complete Squad Ahead of Russia Clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria now have all 20 invited players in camp ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Russia in Moscow.

The final arrival, Bruno Onyemaechi, joined the team late on Tuesday evening after a visa delay caused him to miss the day’s training session.

Onyemaechi’s arrival completes the squad assembled by Head Coach Eric Chelle, who has had to adapt to a series of player withdrawals due to injuries, personal circumstances, and travel documentation issues.

Despite the setbacks, training sessions resumed in full swing on Wednesday at the team’s base in Moscow, with all players present and fit.

Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie continue to vie for the starting role in the absence of first-choice Stanley Nwabali, who was excused to attend to personal family matters.

Okoye, based in Italy with Udinese, and Obasogie, who plies his trade in Tanzania with Singida Blackstars, have impressed in training so far.

In defence, team captain William Troost-Ekong leads a group that includes Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, Benjamin Frederick, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and now Bruno Onyemaechi.

Their cohesion will be critical in Friday’s fixture at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium — Russia’s largest football venue.

The midfield unit features a blend of youth and experience, with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru joined by promising talents such as Chrisantus Uche, Saviour Isaac, and Papa Mustapha Daniels. Isaac, a standout performer for Enugu Rangers, was drafted in following Wilfred Ndidi’s injury withdrawal and is expected to play a key role.

In the attacking lineup, the team will look to the strength and finishing power of Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Moses Simon, alongside the flair of Russia-based Olusegun Olakunle.

Sikiru Alimi, Ismaila Sadiq, and the industrious Benjamin Frederick round out the group, offering Coach Chelle multiple options despite the absence of regulars like Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, and Sadiq Umar.

With the full squad now present and training intensifying, Nigeria’s preparations for the friendly appear back on track.

The match at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium will serve as a key test of Chelle’s reshuffled squad depth and tactical flexibility as the team builds toward future competitive fixtures.

Confirmed Super Eagles Squad for Russia Friendly:

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, Benjamin Frederick, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Chrisantus Uche, Saviour Isaac, Papa Mustapha Daniels

Forwards: Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Olusegun Olakunle, Ismaila Sadiq, Sikiru Alimi

The Super Eagles will face Russia on Friday, June 7, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.