Moses Simon will skipper a much-changed Super Eagles side when Nigeria face Russia in an international friendly in Moscow next Tuesday.

The Paris FC winger departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday night alongside several teammates, with the squad heading to Russia ahead of the fixture.

Home-based trio Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye, and Kenneth Igboke also made the journey. All three were part of the Super Eagles squad that claimed the Unity Cup in London in May.

With regular captain Wilfred Ndidi ruled out of the fixture, Simon steps up as the most senior player in the travelling party.

A blend of experience and fresh faces

Head coach Éric Chelle has put together a squad mixing established names with several newcomers. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and striker Akor Adams all feature in the selection.

Kelechi Iheanacho has earned a recall after impressing at Turkish club Bursaspor since his move there, giving Chelle an experienced attacking option to consider.

Several uncapped players have also received their first call-ups, among them Akpe Victory, Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar, and Chibuzo Nwoko.

A familiar venue for a second meeting

The match will be staged at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium and marks the second time these two nations have met within 17 months. Their previous encounter, held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw.