{
  "id": 11310813,
  "title": "Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ndidi-withdraws-from-russia-friendly",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T00:04:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ndidi-withdraws-from-russia-friendly/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles captain, has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria's international friendly against Russia scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. The Besiktas midfielder was initially named in coach Eric Chelle's 24-man squad for the match. However, the reason behind Ndidi's withdrawal remains undisclosed. The absence of Ndidi is a significant setback for Chelle as he prepares for the encounter following the Super Eagles' recent 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their latest AFCON 2027 qualifier. Other national team players and members of the Nigeria Premier Football League invited for the friendly have also departed for Nigeria, with foreign-based players expected to join the squad in Russia. Coach Chelle, who didn't return with the team after their defeat in Guinea-Bissau, is anticipated to link up with the squad in Russia. The coach's selection includes experienced international players such as Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Raphael Onyedika, and Akor Adams.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, dealing a blow to coach Eric Chelle ahead of the encounter, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The Besiktas midfielder was named in Chelle’s 24-man squad for the October 6 fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but will no longer be Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Wilfred Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly.",
    "Ndidi was in coach Eric Chelle's 24-man squad.",
    "Reason for Ndidi's withdrawal undisclosed."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ndidi's withdrawal is a significant setback for coach Eric Chelle as he prepares for the friendly against Russia, coming off the back of the Super Eagles' recent 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "This Day",
        "title": "Super Eagles off to Moscow for Russia Friendly on Tuesday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/super-eagles-off-to-moscow-for-russia-friendly-on-tuesday",
        "published": "2026-10-01T23:17:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ndidi-withdraws-from-russia-friendly-11315405",
        "published": "2026-10-02T00:32:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}