Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has clarified the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Felix Agu from Nigeria’s squad to face Russia in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Ndidi and Iheanacho, who were initially included in the 21-man travelling party, featured in both matches of the just-concluded 2025 Unity Cup in London. However, neither will join the team in Moscow.
“You saw Ahmed Musa left the camp. Ndidi left because he had a little injury at the end of the game,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian journalist Austin Okon Akpan. “Iheanacho, too, he has a big problem in his family so he needs to leave the camp.”
Ndidi completed the full 90 minutes in both Unity Cup matches against Ghana and Jamaica, soldiering on with a knock during the penalty shootout win over the Reggae Boyz. Iheanacho, meanwhile, featured as a substitute in both games.
There was also a surprise omission of Werder Bremen full-back Felix Agu, who had impressed on his senior debut against Jamaica.
Initially invited just for training, the German-born defender was drafted into the Unity Cup squad after DFB approval. But visa issues blocked his involvement in the trip to Russia.
“Felix Agu, because of his visa. He cannot go to Russia because of his visa so we work on other players who can substitute these players,” Chelle added.
The Super Eagles have landed in Moscow and started training with a reshuffled squad as Chelle continues his preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.