The Nigeria Football Federation has explained why captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and five other players withdrew from the Super Eagles’ friendly against Russia, blaming injuries, club restrictions and a documentation problem.

In a statement by its Media Department, the NFF said Ndidi and Basel defender Victory Akpe were ruled out by injury.

Ndidi picked up a minor knock in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau last week. “Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe has been stopped from flying to Russia by injury,” the statement said.

Three players were stopped by their clubs.

“Midfielder Raphael Onyedika was stopped from travelling to Russia by his German club, Eintracht Frankfurt. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were stopped by their clubs,” the NFF said.

Forward Moses Usor was also lost. He scored on his debut in the 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and was not in the original travelling list. Head coach Éric Chelle requested him later, but Austrian club LASK told him not to fly to Russia.

Slavia Prague forward Suleiman Mubarak, who was in contention for his Super Eagles debut, could not travel.

“Suleiman Mubarak, invited from Slavia Prague in Czechia, could not travel to Russia because his residence permit has not been secured,” the NFF said.

The withdrawals leave Chelle with a depleted squad as he tries to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat in Bissau. 18 players trained on Sunday, and Ibrahim Ajasa of Russian club FC Rostov has since arrived as a late invitee, taking the camp to 19.

The final training session was held at 7.30pm local time on Monday at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Russia arrive in better form. They beat Iran 2-0 and then thrashed Namibia 6-0 in Yekaterinburg on Saturday.

The Super Eagles are looking for a better result than the 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025, when Semi Ajayi’s own goal put the Russians ahead before Tolu Arokodare levelled.

Source: punchng.com

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Man City and Norway forward Erling Haaland is an injury concern for Manchester City ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool after the striker limped off during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat by Portugal.

As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, Haaland signalled to the bench and was substituted in the 67th minute, with Jørgen Strand Larsen coming on in his place. The nature and severity of the injury are yet to be confirmed.

The setback comes at an important time for City, who travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

Haaland has scored seven goals so far this season and will be a major concern for manager Enzo Maresca if he is unable to recover in time.

Haaland had earlier gone close for Norway, dragging an effort wide, but could not help his side avoid a third consecutive Nations League defeat.

Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer controlled Martin Ødegaard’s cross on his chest before firing a superb half-volley into the top corner.

Portugal responded almost immediately, with João Cancelo smashing a shot into the net from the edge of the box two minutes later.

Gonçalo Ramos then completed the comeback with 11 minutes remaining, stabbing home from close range following a lay-off from João Félix.

Portugal finished the match with 10 men after Francisco Conceição was sent off in the 87th minute for two quick bookings for dissent.

The victory secured Portugal’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals, while Norway remain bottom of the group with two matches left.

Manchester City will now await further updates on Haaland’s condition before Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.

Source: punchng.com

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The Portuguese Football Federation has reaffirmed its support for Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued involvement with the national team, with president Pedro Proença describing the veteran forward as an icon of Portuguese football.

Proença on PFF’sX handle on Monday, said Ronaldo remains an important part of the national team whenever he is fit and available.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the ultimate symbol of Portuguese identity,” Proença said.

He also defended Ronaldo’s place in the squad, insisting that his selection is justified by his performances.

“His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready,” he added.

Proença also addressed the reported disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, describing the situation as a misunderstanding that should be handled internally.

“What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally,” Proença said.

The federation president stressed that Ronaldo remains firmly connected to the national team, pointing to his role as captain in the first of Portugal’s four matches.

“Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches,” Proença said.

According to Proença, Ronaldo’s decision to continue representing Portugal reflects his strong attachment to the national team.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese icon and an exceptional player. He could have ended his career at the World Cup, but he didn’t because of his love for his national team,” he said.

Proença added that he has personally witnessed the relationship between Ronaldo, the Portuguese public and the national team.

“I can attest to the bond he shares with the Portuguese people and our national team,” he said.

With the four matches now completed, Proença believes there is an opportunity for Ronaldo and Jesus to resolve their differences.

“Now that the four matches are over, we have the time and calm to sit down together and resolve the misunderstanding,” he said.

Proença concluded by reiterating that Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s football legacy and that his future with the national team remains open.

“Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him,” he said.

Source: punchng.com

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