AFCON 2025
Eric Chelle’s injury list keeps growing as right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel pulls out of the Super Eagles’ friendly against Russia on Tuesday at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod, with kick-off slated for 5 p.m. Nigeria time.
He is the third player to leave camp after captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel defender Victory Akpe due to injuries.
The timing stings since Osayi-Samuel played in Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the second round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The Birmingham City defender had an underwhelming peformance as Mame Balde slipped past him to double the lead of the host in the 66th minute.
Chelle’s staff handed inviatations to Stade Reims midfielder John Otomewo and Tromsø defender Vince Osuji as relacements for Ndidi and Akpe.
However, they are now racing against the clock to find a right-back who can steady the defence.
Meanwhile, the squad began preparations on Saturday when several senior players attended the first training session. Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Akor Adams form the core of the group, while the rest of the camp builds around them.
Tuesday’s game gives Chelle a chance to test new players and respond to the Guinea-Bissau defeat, which has put Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON under threat after just two rounds.
History offers some encouragement because the two sides drew 1-1 in their first meeting at the Luzhniki Stadium in June 2025. Semi Ajayi’s own goal gave Russia a first-half lead before substitute Tolu Arokodare levelled in the 71st minute.
