Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to the Super Eagles fold as Nigeria prepares for their international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.
The former Manchester City forward was among the players to train on Sunday after arriving in Russia on Friday. Nigeria will play the hosts tomorrow in their second meeting in less than a year, after a goalless draw previously.
The News Chronicle reports that the 25-year-old is set to make a comeback after a lengthy layoff from the national team. He was last on the scoresheet during the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica.
The former Golden Boy was then left out of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad and the first two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Russia friendly could give him a chance to prove his worth to coach Éric Chelle and get back in the team.
Three new players have been called up as Mathew Otemewo and Vince Osuji were included to replace the injured Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Akpe.
Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa was also invited to bolster the squad.
Nigeria started their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar before suffering a shock 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
