Super Eagles: 3 players who could benefit most from Nigeria’s Russia friendly

The Super Eagles’ friendly against Russia could provide several Nigerian players with an opportunity to strengthen their position in Eric Chelle’s plans, Afrik-Foot reports.

The October 6 meeting in Nizhny Novgorod comes only a week after Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Chelle selected a different 24-man squad for the clash, retaining some experienced players while introducing several less-established names.

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With several regulars absent, the friendly will be important for players looking to increase their chances of getting more minutes in the national team.

Super Eagles: 3 players who could benefit from Russia friendly

1. Emmanuel Fernandez

Fernandez has an opportunity to build on his recent progress at Rangers. The centre-back has started all of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches this season.

His early-season form had attracted criticism, but his partnership with Olwethu Makhanya has subsequently coincided with a run of strong defensive performances.

Fernandez also revealed recently that the pressure of playing for Rangers has helped him develop, telling Football Fans Tribe that difficult moments are when players have to “show how good you are”.

The Russia game gives him another opportunity to translate his growing club confidence into an international setting.

With Nigeria’s centre-back options still containing several established names, another assured performance could strengthen Fernandez’s case for a larger role under Chelle.

2. Abdullahi Bewene

Bewene has already shown Chelle that he can operate at right-back, but Russia offers another chance to demonstrate that his first senior appearances were not simply a flash in the pan.

The 21-year-old Baník Ostrava defender started Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Poland in June and has continued to accumulate regular minutes for his club.

Bewene has played 730 minutes in the Czech top flight this season, and his versatility is another attraction, having also operated further forward and in midfield.

After Bright Osayi-Samuel’s difficult outing against Guinea-Bissau, the right-back position remains an area where Chelle needs top competition.

A convincing performance against Russia would give Bewene another opportunity to show that he belongs in that conversation.

3. Kelechi Iheanacho

Few players in the squad arrive with a stronger club scoring record than Iheanacho.

The 29-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in eight Turkish 1. Lig appearances for Bursaspor this season, scoring in every league game since joining the club, the highest form of any Nigerian player in the world this season.

That form earned him a recall to the Super Eagles after his move to Turkey from Celtic.

Iheanacho now has the chance to show Chelle that his remarkable domestic scoring run can translate to the international stage.

Nigeria struggled to find the net in Bissau, and while Iheanacho is not a direct replacement for every problem in the attack, his finishing and experience could give Chelle another option to examine.

The Russia friendly arrives at an interesting moment for all three players.

For Fernandez, it is about consolidating his progress. For Bewene, it is an opportunity to strengthen his claim at right-back. And for Iheanacho, it is a chance to turn spectacular club form into renewed relevance with the Super Eagles.