Former Russia defender Vladimir Granat has expressed disappointment over the absence of several key Super Eagles players, particularly Victor Osimhen, ahead of the upcoming international friendly between Russia and Nigeria.

The friendly match is scheduled to take place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6, with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle already announcing his squad for the encounter.

Notably, Chelle's selection excludes star players including Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, a decision that has not sat well with Granat.

Speaking to Sport Express, Granat lamented: "Nigeria is one of the strongest opponents in recent times. I expect a good match from our guys. It is a pity that such top players as Osimhen won't come. I wanted Nigeria to be in a fighting lineup."

The former defender emphasized that the absence of Nigeria's top talents would prevent Russian players from fully testing themselves "at the level of world football."

This friendly comes as part of Nigeria's preparation schedule, which also includes a match against Ghana. Football fans had hoped to see Nigeria field their strongest possible team against Russia, but will now have to settle for a squad missing several of its biggest stars.

The decision to rest key players may be part of Chelle's strategy to evaluate other squad members or could be related to the players' club commitments and fitness concerns as the season concludes.