{
  "id": 12152000,
  "title": "Friendly: Super Eagles step up preparations for Russia clash with 19 players",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/friendly-super-eagles-step-up-preparations-for-russia-clash-with-19",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T12:28:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/05/friendly-super-eagles-step-up-preparations-for-russia-clash-with-19-players/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nineteen players are currently in the Super Eagles' camp in Nizhny Novgorod as they prepare for an international friendly against Russia on Tuesday. However, the team faces challenges due to injuries and some clubs refusing to release their players. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Akpe are unable to join the team due to injuries, while Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were unable to travel because of their clubs' refusal. Ibraheem Ajasa, who was invited late from FC Rostov, Russia, has now joined the team, bringing the total number of players to 19. The Super Eagles will conduct their final training session tonight to finalize their preparations for the upcoming friendly match. The game is scheduled to take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium and is set to kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.",
  "summary": "Nineteen players are currently in the Super Eagles’ camp in Nizhny Novgorod ahead of their international friendly against Russia on Tuesday. The team has been weakened by injuries and the refusal of some clubs to release their players for the encounter. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Akpe were unable to honour the invitation due to […] Friendly: Super Eagles step up preparations for Russia…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}