Russia vs Nigeria: 5 Super Eagles players that needs to convince Eric Chelle

Fresh from winning the Unity Cup, several players that participated in the competition will not feature in this friendly, leaving room for a new set that will wear the Nigerian colours.

But first, here is a list of the squad for the game against Russia

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy) and Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars, Nigeria), Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England), Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia)

Midfielders: Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Boniface remains a hot topic for Super Eagles fans, as the Bayer Leverkusen forward has shone at his club, but he is yet to open his goal account in a Nigeria shirt. That is a growing concern, especially as the striker pool becomes more competitive.

What makes Boniface’s case trickier is the recent form of Cyriel Dessers. The Rangers man has looked sharper and more clinical in fewer appearances, making his goals count when it matters. Boniface will need to be decisive against Russia, not just involved in build-up play but dangerous in front of goal. If he is going to be a key part of Chelle’s plans, the goals need to start flowing soon.

Arokodare had a breakout season with Genk, but he is yet to establish himself as a guaranteed backup to Victor Osimhen in the national team. With Dessers already offering more consistency and physical presence, Arokodare faces an uphill battle.

This game against Russia could be a big chance to show he is not just a form striker at club level but a long-term option for Nigeria. He will need to work hard off the ball, make intelligent runs, and take his chances. In a striker pool packed with talent, a single game can shift perception, and Arokodare must be ready to deliver.

This will be Olakunle Olusegun’s senior debut, and with it comes pressure to impress quickly. The Russia-based forward has pace, flair, and an eye for goal, but international football is a different beast altogether.

Chelle and his staff will want to see how well Olusegun adapts to tactical discipline and combines with more experienced players. 

In a squad already boasting wingers like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon, standing out will not be easy, and if he fails to make an impression, future invites may be hard to come by.

Started both games at the Unity Cup, but he struggled in the final against Jamaica; beaten for pace by his opposite number several times. In that game, he was defensively uncertain and inconsistent with his delivery in the final third, a performance that raised questions about whether he is ready for international football.

With right-back options like Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina, and even new prospect Benjamin Frederick pushing for regular roles, Ismaila must bounce back. The door is not closed yet, but he needs to show he belongs at this level.

Uche’s situation is one of the more interesting ones. Despite being a central midfielder by trade, he has thrived as a striker for his club. 

However, his late arrival to the Unity Cup camp raised eyebrows, and there is still no clarity over where he fits best in this squad.

Against Russia, Chelle may use him in either position. But whatever role he is given, Uche needs to show maturity, positional discipline, and game impact. Versatility is useful, but lack of identity can be a problem. This could be his chance to claim a defined role in the team and avoid being seen as just a stopgap option.