Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has released a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The encounter is scheduled to take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with Chelle handing opportunities to a blend of established internationals, overseas-based players and emerging talents.
Three players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have been included in the squad, while UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdularasaq also earned a call-up.
Veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the national team setup after his recent absence.
Goalkeepers
Michael Atata — Ikorodu City
Samuel James — SJK FC, Finland
Stanley Nwabali — Chippa United, South Africa
Defenders
Kenneth Igboke — Enugu Rangers
Isaac James — Alverca FC, Portugal
Benjamin Fredricks — Brentford FC, England
Emmanuel Fernandez — Glasgow Rangers, Scotland
Victory Akpe — FC Basel, Switzerland
Bright Osayi-Samuel — Birmingham FC, England
Abdullahi Bewene — FC Banik Ostrava, Czechia
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi — Besiktas FC, Turkey
Raphael Onyedika — Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany
Chibuzo Nwoko — Fulham FC, England
Stephen Michael — Vendsyssel FF, Denmark
Igor Wilfred — Kristiansund FC, Norway
Ridwan Abdularasaq — Al Wasl, UAE
Suleiman Mubarak — Slavia Prague, Czechia
Aderemi Adeoye — Ikorodu City
Forwards
Kelechi Iheanacho — Bursaspor FC, Turkey
Moses Simon — Paris FC, France
Akor Adams — Venezia FC, Italy
Peter Edokpolor — SL Benfica, Portugal
Abubakar Umar — Hradec Kralove, Czechia
The selection gives Chelle an opportunity to assess several players ahead of future international engagements, while the Russia friendly will provide another test for the Super Eagles against European opposition.
