Russia Midfielder reacts to Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman’s snub in Super Eagles squad

By Ekemini Samuel

Posted on May 27, 2025

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are on Juventus radar as the summer transfer window approaches. Will they make a move to Turin?

Russia midfielder Andrei Mostovoy has downplayed the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming friendly match between the two teams. Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has selected 21 players for the trip to Moscow, with the two marquee forwards notably absent.

Reports suggest that Osimhen and Lookman opted out due to fatigue from a demanding 2024-25 season, as well as potential summer transfers that could be jeopardized by injury. However, Mostovoy insists that their absence will not affect the mood of the Russian national team players.

Manchester United’s pursuit of a top striker has taken a thrilling turn, as the club now finds itself with two options of Osimhen or Mateta.

Victor Osimhen ( Photo credit: Getty Images)

“We have normal opponents in June. Belarus was there last year, it will be very interesting with Nigeria,” Mostovoy said in an interview with TASS. “The fact that some of the stars of the Nigerian team will not come does not change anything in terms of the team’s mood. We have played with weaker opponents before.”

READ MORE: Former Golden Eaglets player who won the Russian League this season cries out over Super Eagles snub

Despite Osimhen and Lookman’s absence, the Super Eagles’ attacking line remains formidable, with six forwards from top-five European leagues included: Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Sadiq Umar. Mostovoy, however, remains confident that Russia can still put up a strong performance against the African champions.

“Nigeria is a very interesting opponent, it will be interesting to play,” Mostovoy added. “Of course, we will go into this match with maximum mood.”

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Round 8 delivered exciting encounters across various centers. NWFL Round 8: Nasarawa Amazons stun Remo Stars ladies as Naija Ratels, Bayelsa Queens cecure big wins Edo Queens claimed the top spot in Group A, while Naija Ratels and Bayelsa Queens secured emphatic victories, Footballrover reports. Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons stunned former Group A leaders Remo Stars Ladies with a late goal. Breakdown of events in NWFL Round 8 Edo Queens edge Ekiti Queens to go top Defending champions Edo Queens claimed a crucial 1-0 away win over Ekiti Queens in Ilorin. Rebecca Adegbemile scored the game’s only goal in the 68th minute, sealing a hard-fought victory. Edo Queens The win puts Edo Queens at the summit of Group A, replacing Remo Stars, who have been in excellent form before the outcome of their clash with Nasarawa Amazons in Lafia. Naija Ratels hit Benue Queens for four It was a one-sided affair in Lafia as Naija Ratels cruised to a 4-0 victory over Benue Queens. Anuoluwapo Awotidoye stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, netting in the 28th, 50th, and 78th minutes. Obadun Azeezat also got on the scoresheet in the 58th minute, completing a dominant performance. ALSO READ Nasarawa Amazons fire warning to Remo Stars ladies as NWFL resumes: ‘Our hard work will do magic' Bayelsa Queens sweep Robo Queens aside in style In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens continued their fine form with a commanding 3-0 win over Robo Queens. Bayelsa Queens Olabiyi Alaba opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Shakirat Moshood bagged a quick-fire brace early in the second half to wrap up an emphatic win. Nasarawa Amazons leave it late to beat Remo Stars Ladies After firing a huge warning earlier, before the clash in Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons went on to snatch a narrow 1-0 win over Remo Stars Ladies. NWFL Round 8: Nasarawa Amazons stun Remo Stars ladies as Naija Ratels, Bayelsa Queens cecure big wins Jenat Akekeromowei stepped up in stoppage time to convert a 90th-minute penalty, breaking Remo Stars Ladies’ resistance and boosting Nasarawa Amazons’ campaign. Confluence Queens edge Heartland Queens A first-half penalty from Peace Ikediuba in the 23rd minute of the game was enough for Confluence Queens to secure a 1-0 victory over Heartland Queens in Anyigba. The narrow win keeps Confluence Queens in the mix for a strong finish this season. ALSO READ Nasarawa Amazons fire warning to Remo Stars ladies as NWFL resumes: ‘Our hard work will do magic' Abia Angels capitalise on Dannaz Ladies’ mistakes Abia Angels capitalised on defensive errors to secure a 2-0 home victory over Dannaz Ladies in Umuahia. Abia Angels A Toyibat Abdulazeez own goal in the 30th minute set the tone before Chiamaka Ojialor doubled the lead eight minutes later. Ibom Angels leave it late against Delta Queens Ibom Angels left it late to snatch a 1-0 win over Delta Queens in Uyo. Ibom Angels Uwah Abasiofon scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, handing her side a dramatic victory. Rivers Angels come from behind to beat Adamawa Queens In Lafia, Rivers Angels staged a comeback to defeat Adamawa Queens 2-1. Nnenna Ossai opened the scoring barely 18 minutes into the game to give Adamawa an early lead. Rivers Angels But Taiwo Afolabi equalised seven minutes after the restart before a Temilade Oluwaseun own goal in the 90th minute sealed all three points for Rivers Angels. Other key highlights from NWFL Round 8 Edo Queens’ resilience sees them reclaim Group A leadership. Naija Ratels and Bayelsa Queens show dominance with big wins. Nasarawa Amazons keep their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic late penalty. Ibom Angels’ last-minute heroics deliver crucial points. NWFL Round 8 results at a glance – Ekiti Queens 0-1 Edo Queens – Benue Queens 0-4 Naija Ratels – Bayelsa Queens 3-0 Robo Queens – Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 Remo Stars – Confluence Queens 1-0 Heartland Queens – Abia Angels 2-0 Dannaz Ladies – Ibom Angels 1-0 Delta Queens – Adamawa Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels With these results from the NWFL Round 8, Edo Queens have taken charge of Group A, while Bayelsa Queens and Naija Ratels continue to assert their dominance.

Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring for Nigeria in Uyo at the Nations Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic (Image Credit: The Athletic Images)

The friendly match between Russia and Nigeria is scheduled to take place at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6, followed by a meeting with Belarus in Minsk four days later. Russia’s preparations for the match are underway, with Mostovoy and his teammates looking to make a strong impression against the three-time African champions.

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“We have a tough opponent coming up, but we’re looking forward to it,” Mostovoy said. “We’ll give it our all and try to make a good impression.”

The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with different styles and strengths. While Nigeria boasts a talented squad with players from top European leagues, Russia has a solid team with experience in major tournaments.