Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has changed his Super Eagles squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Russia, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Victory Akpe making way for Vince Osuji and John Otomewo.
The changes were confirmed on the team’s official social media channels on Friday as preparations continue for the game at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Ndidi, who played every minute of both AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau this window, has been given a rest after a draining few days.
Otomewo is a 20-year-old defender who can also play in midfield, currently on the books at Norwegian side Tromsø following a permanent move from Club Brugge in August. Osuji joins as Akpe’s replacement, adding to a squad that already leans fairly experimental for this fixture.
It fits a pattern Chelle has followed all window naming a separate, younger squad for the Russia game rather than simply carrying his AFCON group over.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi were already left out of the travelling squad, with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and a handful of NPFL players were inlcuded in instead.
