Super Eagles eager to win, Chelle, Simon  warn Russia

• By Morakinyo Abodunrin

Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle and stand-in captain Moses Simon have promised a high-energy performance from Nigeria when a depleted Super Eagles side takes on Russia in today’s friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Refusal by some clubs to release their players, coupled with injuries to notable names, have reportedly weakened the Super Eagles squad ahead of the international friendly match,

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Chelle admitted that club refusals and logistical constraints have forced him to field a revamped squad with several young prospects.

“In context, we cannot bring [all our standard players]. Their clubs did not want to let them come here,” Chelle explained. “So we had to manage that situation, and this is why we brought some young players. My expectation for this game is to give them an opportunity to show what they can do.”

Despite the changes, Chelle insisted the target remains victory, and said his players must match Russia’s physicality and aggressive style.

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“The last game we lost because our intensity and aggressiveness were not good enough,” he said. “Russia plays with a lot of intensity when they don’t have the ball, along with high aggressiveness and compactness. My team shares similar traits, so I predict we will show a lot of intensity and energy tomorrow.”

Stand-in skipper Simon backed his coach’s confidence, dismissing suggestions that the long trip or squad changes would dampen Nigeria’s motivation.

“We didn’t fly long hours to come here and lose; we came here to win,” Simon said. “I am not the only star here. Every young player in this team has talent and starts somewhere. We are ready to show what we can do as a country. It’s our job to go everywhere and give everything, and we are here to do just that.”

The game is Nigeria’s second meeting with Russia in 16 months, as Chelle continues to test his squad’s depth ahead of future competitive fixtures.

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