Chelle Makes Two Changes to Super Eagles Squad for Russia Friendly

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has made two changes to Nigeria’s squad ahead of the international friendly against Russia next Tuesday.

Midfielder John Otomewo and defender Vince Osuji have been drafted into the squad as replacements for captain Wilfred Ndidi and Akpe Victory, who are unavailable for the encounter.

Otomewo joins the national team after recently completing a move to French Ligue 2 club Stade de Reims from Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Jerusalem.

The midfielder will now have the opportunity to earn his first appearance for the Super Eagles when Nigeria face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Osuji has also received his first call-up as he continues his career in Norway with Tromsø. The defender left Belgian club Club Brugge before joining the Norwegian side.

Both players are expected to compete for places in Chelle’s starting XI as Nigeria prepare for their second meeting with Russia in just over a year.

The Super Eagles and Russia last faced each other in June 2025 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, with the friendly ending in a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria will be looking to use the upcoming fixture to assess squad options while giving Chelle an opportunity to continue shaping his team ahead of future international assignments.

For Otomewo and Osuji, the match could provide a significant opportunity to make their Super Eagles debuts and establish themselves in the national team setup.