Former Super Eagles striker Peter Odemwingie has shared the names of three players he believes should be in the starting lineup when Nigeria plays Russia in an international friendly match next month.

Odemwingie mentioned Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and either Kelechi Iheanacho or Victor Boniface as the players he expects head coach Eric Chelle to include in the starting eleven.

The match is set to take place on June 6 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. It will be a chance for both teams to test their strengths and try out new strategies.

Coach Eric Chelle recently announced a 21-man squad for the game, leaving out some of Nigeria’s big names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey.

In a chat with Russian journalist Alexander Ershov, Odemwingie said he likes the idea of new players getting an opportunity. He believes this will bring more competition and help the team grow stronger.

According to the former forward, this match is a good opportunity to see what the future holds for the Super Eagles. He emphasized that the team should not always rely on the same group of players.

Odemwingie also pointed out that the players selected for the Russia match are likely close to forming the team’s core. If players like Chukwueze, Simon, and either Iheanacho or Boniface start, it would mean they are key members of the squad.

Although Victor Osimhen is currently considered Nigeria’s biggest football star, Odemwingie believes the game will still be exciting, even without him on the pitch.