Super Eagles fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel has withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod, Trybal News reports.
Osayi-Samuel becomes the third player to pull out of the squad ahead of the October 6 encounter. No official reason has been given for his withdrawal, with neither the Nigeria Football Federation nor the national team’s technical staff providing further details.
The Fenerbahçe defender featured in Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29. The result left the Super Eagles second in Group L with three points.
Osayi-Samuel’s withdrawal comes after captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel centre-back Victory Akpe were also ruled out. Ndidi reportedly suffered a knock during the Guinea-Bissau fixture, while Akpe picked up an injury in training.
Head coach Éric Chelle had responded to the earlier absences by bringing in Stade Reims midfielder John Otomewo and Tromsø defender Vince Osuji. With Osayi-Samuel now unavailable, Nigeria may need to make another adjustment to its defensive options.
A number of senior players have already joined the squad in Nizhny Novgorod, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Stanley Nwabali, Akor Adams and stand-in captain Moses Simon.
The Russia friendly will be Nigeria’s final fixture of the current international window and comes after a disappointing result in Bissau. Chelle’s side will be looking to end the window with a positive performance against a Russian team they drew 1-1 with in Moscow in June 2025.
Osayi-Samuel was part of the Nigeria squad for that meeting, which saw Russia take the lead through an own goal by Semi Ajayi before Tolu Arokodare equalised in the second half.
Nigeria will now prepare for Tuesday’s rematch with another change to its squad, while the reason behind Osayi-Samuel’s withdrawal remains undisclosed.
