Tromsø defender Vince Chijioke Osuji has received a late invitation to the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on October 6, 2026.
Sports247 gathers that the 20-year-old centre-back has been called up as a replacement for Basel defender Akpe Victory, who is no longer available for the trip to Russia.
Osuji, a former Nigeria U-17 international, has continued his development in European football and recently completed a move from Belgian club Club Brugge to Norwegian side Tromsø, in search of increased playing opportunities and a platform to further develop his potential.
The defender’s latest invitation marks a significant step in his progression, giving him the opportunity to train alongside Nigeria’s senior internationals and work directly under Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle and his coaching staff.
The call-up also underlines Chelle’s willingness to examine younger options as he continues to build a broader pool of players capable of contributing to the national team in the years ahead.
With Nigeria looking beyond immediate assignments and beginning preparations for future international challenges, the Russia friendly provides an important platform for emerging talents to gain experience within the senior setup.
For Osuji, joining the Super Eagles camp represents an opportunity to make a strong impression and show the coaching crew that he can compete for a place in Nigeria’s long-term plans.
The centre-back will now look to make the most of his first senior-team involvement, having already represented Nigeria at youth level.
The Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM Nigerian time.
As Chelle continues to shape his squad with an eye on the future and the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle, Osuji will hope his opportunity in Russia can become the beginning of a new chapter in his international career.
