{
  "id": 11315405,
  "title": "Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ndidi-withdraws-from-russia-friendly-11315405",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T00:32:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ndidi-withdraws-from-russia-friendly/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's top-ranked football star, Wilfred Ndidi, has reportedly dropped out of the country's upcoming international exhibition match against Russia on October 6. This unexpected withdrawal has left head coach Eric Chelle in a challenging position as he prepares for the crucial fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Chelle's squad, which includes seasoned players like Moses Simon and Stanley Nwabali, as well as emerging talent such as Kelechi Iheanacho, was already facing a significant setback following Nigeria's 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter. The reasons behind Ndidi's decision to withdraw have not been disclosed by the club or the football federation at this time.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has reportedly withdrawn from Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, dealing a blow to coach Eric Chelle ahead of the encounter, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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 Nigeria",
        "title": "Ndidi withdraws from Russia friendly",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ndidi-withdraws-from-russia-friendly",
        "published": "2026-10-02T00:04:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}