Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made notable changes to Nigeria’s national team setup ahead of their highly anticipated international friendly against Russia this Friday at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

🇳🇬 Fresh Faces Get the Nod

Making waves among the call-ups are four standout players from the recently concluded Unity Cup:

🛡 Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford)
🏃‍♂️ Isaac Saviour
🛡 Sodiq Ismail
⚽ Sikiru Alimi

These additions reflect Chelle’s commitment to rewarding domestic talent, with Fredrick and Ismail starting in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica, and Alimi impressing during the clash with Ghana. They’ll now join a squad looking to test its depth and resilience against a tough Russian side.

Before the updates, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the lone home-based player selected. With the new inclusions, Chelle appears to be building a more inclusive and dynamic squad, mixing both international exposure and local brilliance.

⚽ A Friendly with High Stakes

While it’s "just" a friendly, the Super Eagles’ outing in Moscow carries weight. For fringe players, it’s a shot to prove their worth ahead of more competitive fixtures. For Chelle, it's a strategic opportunity to experiment with squad depth and tactical setups.

💬 Opinion: A Positive Shift or a Risk?

Chelle’s decision to open the doors for more local players is a bold and refreshing move. It signals a new era of accountability and opportunity — one where performance, not pedigree, determines national selection. But it also puts pressure on these newcomers to deliver under international spotlight.

Can they rise to the occasion against Russia’s seasoned pros? This Friday could provide answers.

🗓 Match Details