Russia vs Nigeria: 5 Super Eagles stars to watch against The Boys

It is Russia vs Nigeria again in what is the second installment of this international friendly fixture over the past 16 months, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria's trip to Russia was always going to be different from the usual Super Eagles assignment.

There is no Victor Osimhen. No Ademola Lookman. No Alex Iwobi. No Samuel Chukwueze. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has also withdrawn with an injury, while Bright Osayi-Samuel has since pulled out of the squad.

What remains is a fascinating mixture of experience, emerging talent and players desperate to turn an international opportunity into something much bigger.

Eric Chelle's reshaped Super Eagles face Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, October 6, with the match coming just days after the painful 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

With so many established stars missing, five players stand out as the most valuable and potentially influential figures in the travelling squad.

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Russia vs Nigeria, Super Eagles star to watch: Raphael Onyedika

Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika. Photo by IMAGO

If Nigeria are looking for a player capable of giving the midfield authority, Onyedika is the obvious candidate.

The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder is the most valuable Super Eagles player in the current Russia vs Nigeria squad at €23m. The former Club Brugge ace has the growing reputation of a midfielder who combines physical strength with defensive intelligence and composure on the ball.

His presence becomes even more important following Ndidi's withdrawal.

Onyedika now has a chance to step into a more prominent role and show Chelle that he can be more than a supporting figure in the Super Eagles midfield.

Russia will provide a very different test from Guinea-Bissau. It is an opportunity for Onyedika to control the middle of the pitch, protect Nigeria's defence and give the forwards a platform from which to attack.

Russia vs Nigeria, Super Eagles star to watch: Emmanuel Fernandez

Super Eagles star Emmanuel Fernandez. Photo by IMAGO

Fernandez is one of the most intriguing names in Chelle's squad.

The Rangers centre-back has enjoyed a remarkable rise at Scottish giants Rangers but he is yet to nail a spot in the Super Eagles backline despite being one of Nigeria's most valuable defenders.

At 1.98m, Fernandez brings a formidable physical presence to the heart of the defence. His ability to cover ground, compete aerially and deal with direct attacking play makes him particularly interesting against Russia.

With several members of Nigeria's preferred defence absent, Fernandez could be asked to assume greater responsibility. A commanding display could strengthen his position in Chelle's plans long after the Russia game is over.

Russia vs Nigeria, Super Eagles star to watch: Akor Adams

Super Eagles star Akor Adams. Photo by IMAGO

One of Nigeria's stars at AFCON 2025, Adams may be the Super Eagles' most obvious attacking threat in the absence of Osimhen and Lookman.

Adams form for Sevilla in La Liga and Nigeria in Morocco helped transform him from a peripheral international option into a genuine Super Eagles attacking candidate.

Against Russia, his physical presence could be crucial.

Nigeria's forwards will have to deal with a Russian defence that is unlikely to give them much space, and Adams' ability to hold up the ball, attack crosses and occupy centre-backs could provide Chelle with a different route to goal.

He also has something personal to prove after Nigeria's collapse in Bissau. A goal in Nizhny Novgorod would be the perfect response.

Russia vs Nigeria, Super Eagles star to watch: Moses Simon

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon. Copyright: xJakubxPorzyckixIMAGO

Simon is the experienced attacking figure in a squad otherwise dominated by players looking to establish themselves.

The Paris FC winger became one of only five players to earn a 100 caps for the Super Eagles and several youngsters will look up to him for inspiration and direction against Russia.

Simon has the pace, directness and experience to stretch Russia's defence, while his ability to operate from either flank gives Chelle tactical flexibility.

With several of Nigeria's usual attacking stars missing, the 31-year-old could find himself carrying much of the creative burden.

He is also one of the few players in this squad who already knows what it means to shoulder expectations in the Super Eagles shirt.

Russia vs Nigeria, Super Eagles star to watch: Kelechi Iheanacho

Super Eagles star Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo by IMAGO

Iheanacho's current form and experience make him one of the most intriguing players to watch.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward brings 58 senior Nigeria appearances and 15 international goals into a squad that suddenly lacks several of its most experienced attackers.

His ability to drop between the lines, link midfield with attack and create chances could be particularly useful against Russia.

He has scored in every game played for Bursaspor this season since his switch to Turkey and this cold be his chance to score his first Super Eagles goal since Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in November 2023.

More importantly, this is an opportunity for Iheanacho to remind Nigerian football that there is still plenty left in his game.