Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has made strategic alterations to his squad as the Super Eagles gear up for a landmark international friendly against Russia on Friday, June 6, at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
Hours after lifting the 2025 Unity Cup title in London following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Jamaica, Chelle has turned his attention to Nigeria’s next engagement.
Chelle had earlier prepared a 23-man squad for the Unity Cup in London and another 21-player roster for the Russian friendly in Moscow.
Eric Chelle boosts squad for Russia
However, following the Super Eagles’ successful outing at the Unity Cup, Chelle has decided to bolster the team for the Russian game with four new additions.
They are Brentford B-team defender Benjamin Fredrick, and the home-based trio of Isaac Saviour, Sodiq Ismaila, and Sikiru Alimi.
Right-back Ismaila played both games against Ghana and Jamaica, delivering the assist to the first goal against the Black Stars while centre-forward Alimi only featured in the 2-1 win over the Ghanaians.
Fredrick was handed a late call-up to the Super Eagles squad after West Brom defender Semi Ajayi picked a knock in training. The former Flying Eagles defender impressed against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz. Saviour is yet to make an appearance for the three-time African champions.
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The Super Eagles departed London late on Sunday night and are expected to land in Moscow in the early hours of Monday after a near four-hour flight.
The fixture will mark the first senior-level meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
Speaking before departure, Chelle reaffirmed his commitment to instilling a winning mentality across the team, regardless of the occasion.
“Now we head to Russia, and our goal is clear — to win,” the Franco-Malian tactician declared. “We’re not just making the trip for the sake of it; we’re going there to secure a result.”
Reflecting on the intensity of the Unity Cup final, Chelle acknowledged the emotional toll of the competition:
“Mentally, it still feels like we’re in Jamaica — that game took a lot out of us. But now, we must shift our focus.”
He stressed the need for mental resilience as the team heads into unfamiliar territory.
“Playing away is never easy. That’s why we’re emphasizing the mental aspect. That was my message to the players: we need to show the football world our mindset and our hunger,” he added.
With momentum on their side and Chelle’s clear vision, the Super Eagles are aiming to mark their Russian debut with a strong performance and a result to match.
FULL LIST: NIGERIA SUPER EAGLES SQUAD FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
New additions:
Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford, England)
Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)