Friendly: Simon to lead second-string Super Eagles against Russia

Moses Simon is set to lead a new-look Super Eagles side when Nigeria face Russia in an international friendly next Tuesday.

The Paris FC winger was among the Nigerian players who departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Moscow on Thursday night ahead of the encounter.

Home-based players Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Kenneth Igboke were also part of the travelling squad.

With captain, Wilfred Ndidi withdrawing from the game, Simon becomes the most experienced player in the squad and is expected to provide leadership against the Russians.

Head coach, Éric Chelle has opted for a blend of established players and fresh faces as he continues to assess his options ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali is included alongside defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams are also part of the squad.

Chelle has further strengthened the attack with the return of experienced forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who has enjoyed a positive start to his spell with Turkish side Bursaspor.

Several players are in line for their first taste of senior international football, including Akpe Victory, Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Chibuzo Nwoko.

The match will be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium and will mark the second meeting between Nigeria and Russia in 16 months.