Super Eagles: 2 NPFL players to look out for in Russia friendly

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has handed three NPFL players places in Nigeria’s squad for the October 6 friendly against Russia, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles will face the Nashi Parni at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in a fixture that gives Chelle an opportunity to examine options outside his regular AFCON qualifying squad.

Among the 24 players selected are Ikorodu City midfielder Aderemi Adeoye, Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke.

2 NPFL players to watch in Super Eagles vs Russia friendly

1. Aderemi Adeoye

Adeoye could hardly have timed his latest performance better. The 19-year-old midfielder scored a stunning free-kick in Ikorodu City’s 2-0 victory over defending champions Rangers last weekend, giving his side the lead after just six minutes. It was his first league goal of the 2026/27 season.

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That performance came only days before he joins up with the Super Eagles for the Russia assignment.

Adeoye is not a completely new name to Chelle. The defensive midfielder received his first senior invitation for the 2026 Unity Cup in May, although he played just two minutes in the competition.

A run-out against Russia would therefore represent another important step in his progression. His profile is also intriguing because he offers qualities Nigeria could use in midfield.

Adeoye is regarded for his aerial ability, passing range, ball-winning and box-to-box work, and the Russia game could show whether those qualities can translate to senior international football.

2. Kenneth Igboke

Igboke brings something Adeoye does not: senior international experience.

The Rangers left-back has already earned two full Nigeria caps, playing 180 minutes against Zimbabwe and Jamaica during the 2026 Unity Cup.

The 21-year-old also has considerable domestic experience despite his age. He made 27 NPFL appearances for Rangers during the 2025/26 campaign, helping the club retain the league title.

His versatility and familiarity with the Super Eagles environment could make him useful to Chelle as Nigeria continues searching for depth, especially in the left-back position.

Igboke has also experienced the demands of African club football with Rangers, including their current CAF Champions League campaign.

The Russia friendly gives him another chance to demonstrate that he can compete for more game time in Chelle’s plans.

A chance for the NPFL representatives

The inclusion of Adeoye and Igboke is significant beyond their individual opportunities.

Chelle has increasingly opened the door to players from the domestic league, and the Russia friendly provides a different environment from the pressure of an AFCON qualifier.

For Adeoye, the objective will be to turn his impressive NPFL form into a senior international debut.

For Igboke, it is about using his existing international experience to strengthen his case for further involvement.

Both players now have a rare opportunity to show that the pathway from the NPFL to the Super Eagles can lead to more than just a call-up.