The Nigeria Football Federation has explained why several of the national team's leading players will miss the upcoming friendly against Russia.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi were not included in the squad for the match, which will take place in Nizhny Novgorod on October 6.
Nigeria Football Federation acting deputy general secretary Ademola Olajire said the decision was influenced by the team's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
"Nigeria have very important Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches ahead. As for Osimhen, we left him out of this camp because Galatasaray informed us that he is injured. He also did not play for his club last weekend. He will miss Nigeria's matches during this international break," Olajire said.
He added that the coaching staff decided to rest several other leading players with future competitive matches in mind.
"As for the other stars, the head coach decided to protect them ahead of important Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. That is why Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze were not included in the squad for the match against Russia," Olajire added.
Nigeria will face Russia in a friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on October 6.
