The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed why some Super Eagles stars, including skipper Wilfred Ndidi, will not be involved in the upcoming friendly against Russia on Tuesday, October 6.

The Super Eagles squad has been depleted by the absence of seven key players who have either been denied release by their clubs or sustained injuries.

In this piece, MyNigeria Sports looks at the seven players who will not feature in the Russia friendly and why, as disclosed by the NFF via the federation's official website.

Wilfred Ndidi

The skipper suffered a knock during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau last Tuesday, September 29. The 29-year-old, who started in the two qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, has returned to his base in Turkey for further medical assessment.

Raphael Onyedika

The 25-year-old midfielder was stopped from travelling to Russia by his German Bundesliga club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Onyedika came on as a substitute in the Super Eagles' last game against Guinea-Bissau, replacing Wilfred Ndidi in the 76th minute.

Bright Osayi-Samuel

The Super Eagles full back was stopped by his club from travelling. Osayi-Samuel started at right-back against Guinea-Bissau in the Super Eagles' 3-0 humbling away in Bissau.

Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola

The 19-year-old midfielder was also stopped by his club side, Al-Wasl in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from travelling for the friendly. The youngster did not feature in either of the two qualifier matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Victory Akpe

The 20-year-old centre-back, who plays for FC Basel in Switzerland, was also stopped from flying to Russia by injury. He also didn't feature in either of the qualifier matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Moses Usor

According to reports, the 25-year-old was not originally listed for the trip.

However, when he was eventually requested by head coach Éric Chelle, LASK FC told him he should not fly to Russia. He scored in the qualifiers opener against Madagascar after coming on as a substitute on what was his debut for the national team.

Suleiman Mubarak

The Slavia Prague midfielder could not travel with the team to Russia because his residence permit had not been secured. He also did not feature in either of the two matches in the qualifiers.

WDN