Nigeria’s preparations for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia have been disrupted by a series of injuries and club-related restrictions, leaving head coach Éric Chelle with a significantly reduced squad for the encounter in Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that several players originally expected to feature have been ruled out after their clubs prevented them from travelling, while others have withdrawn because of injuries.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the notable absentees after picking up a knock during Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau last week.

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika will also miss the game after his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, stopped him from travelling to Russia.

The list of unavailable players extends beyond the midfield. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were not released by their respective clubs, while Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was ruled out after suffering an injury.

Moses Usor, who made an impressive start to his international career by scoring on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, was also unable to join the squad.

Usor was initially not included in the travelling party but was later requested by Chelle. However, his Austrian club LASK FC informed him that he could not travel to Russia.

There was another setback involving Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague. The midfielder could not make the trip because his residence permit had not been secured.

The absences leave Nigeria with a considerably depleted squad for a fixture that offers Chelle another opportunity to assess his players against a strong international opponent.

The Super Eagles previously faced Russia in Moscow 16 months ago, playing out a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium. Tuesday’s meeting will provide another test for Nigeria, but Chelle will have to work with a squad that has been reshaped by circumstances beyond his control.

Late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of Russian club FC Rostov was expected to join the Super Eagles camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening.

The 18 Super Eagles in Russia

Goalkeepers: Michael Atata, Samuel James, Stanley Nwabali

Defenders: Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene

Midfielders: Chibuzo Nwoke, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Aderemi Adeoye

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, Abdullahi Umar