Super Eagles: 3 players who could make their Nigeria debut against Russia

The Super Eagles will return to action on Tuesday when they face Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria will be hoping to bounce back from the shock 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau earlier in the week in the second game of their AFCON 2027 qualifier. 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle selected a separate squad for the friendly game against Russia, leaving out several established players and handing out opportunities to new players and several returning players.

While some of these players have previously made appearances for the national team, some others will be hoping to make their debut when they take on Russia in a few days time.

Three players who could make Super Eagles debut vs Russia 

1. Samuel James

Samuel James is one of the most interesting new faces in Chelle’s squad for the Russia friendly.

The SJK goalkeeper received his first senior invitation and will provide competition in goal alongside Stanley Nwabali and Michael Atata.

James has enjoyed a stunning rise in his career, which has also seen him make the move abroad to the Finland league, where he has become a very important player for his club side.

His chances of starting are difficult to predict due to the presence of Nwabali in the squad. However, the Russia game is exactly the type of fixture where Chelle could decide to give one of his new players some minutes.

If James gets the opportunity, he will be hoping for a big performance to put himself into the picture for another Super Eagles invitation.

2. Victory Akpe

Victory Akpe is another player who could make his Super Eagles debut in the clash against Russia.

The defender was one of the most sought after Nigerian youngster during the summer transfer window before completing a move to Swiss side Basel after a very impressive stint at Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi. 

He is now part of a defensive setup that also includes Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James and Abdullahi Bewene. 

The youngster could earn the chance to feature during the clash and a strong performance as he has shown at club level could be enough to earn him future call-ups ahead of the Super Eagles’ next set of matches.

His height and physicality will be something Chelle will be hoping to count on if he is handed a chance during the clash.

3. Peter Edokpolor

Peter Edokpolor is another attacking player who could make his senior debut against Russia.

The Benfica forward will have to compete with some experienced names, including the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Akor Adams and Moses Simon, for minutes in the clash.

If Edokpolor comes on, his movement and ability to link up with the players around him will be important and a good debut would be the perfect way to introduce himself.

Nigeria played a 1-1 draw with Russia in June 2025 and will be hoping to get a win this time around when both teams meet again next week.