Moses Simon to lead second-string Super Eagles in Russia friendly next Tuesday

Moses Simon is set to lead a new-look Super Eagles side when Nigeria face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Simon, a Paris FC winger, departed Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday night with home-based players Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Kenneth Igboke. With captain Wilfred Ndidi withdrawing, Simon becomes the most experienced player in the squad and is expected to provide leadership.

Head coach Éric Chelle has blended established players and fresh faces, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who is enjoying a spell with Turkish side Bursaspor. Several players—Akpe Victory, Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Chibuzo Nwoko—are in line for their first senior international caps.

The match marks the second meeting between Nigeria and Russia in 16 months and offers fans a chance to assess Chelle’s options ahead of upcoming competitions. Stay updated via the NFF website or trusted sports news outlets for live coverage and post-match analysis.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/02/friendly-simon-to-lead-second-string-super-eagles-against-russia/