It’s days now since the Russian-Ukrainian war started and it has come a long way in affecting several activities in both regions.
Russia as a Nation has risen to stop the Ukrainian Government from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) owing to their closeness in boundaries.
With Ukraine not ready to submit to the Russian authorities, football including other sporting activities have met a serious setback.
The Russian National team and Football clubs in Russia have faced severe sanctions from the World Football Governing body (FIFA) and European Football Governing body UEFA.
Days ago, after FIFA had suspended the Russian National team from participating in any FIFA event just yet, UEFA took the cue and suspended Russian Club Spartak Moscow from further competing in the ongoing UEFA Europa league.
The suspension means that German side RB Leipzig will now progress ahead of the Russian side.
Who are those Nigerians affected by this?
Victor Moses
The former Chelsea man has been on superb form for Spartak Moscow in recent time and has been a regular for the side this season.
The two-time Europe league winner will not have the opportunity to add to his cabinet another European trophy this season.
The Russian league has been withheld and should the war continues, this may turn to automatic termination of the contract for the one-time Africa Champion.
Chidera Ejike
Former Gombe United and CSKA Moscow winger Chidera Ejike has been a regular for his side this season after making 19 appearances in the Russian top-flight division.
The 24-year old has also recorded three assists in those appearances having featured five times in the Europa League.
Ejike is one of the players who just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after Nigeria was eliminated by Tunisia in the Round of 16.
Unlike Victor Moses, the 24-year old Ejike is also a casualty in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
His club CSKA Moscow is also hit as the Russian league is on hold and the Super Eagles forward is at risk of losing his contract should the war continues.
Michael Gopey Stephen
Michael Stephen plays for Ingulets in the Ukrainian top division after joining from Nigerian side Wikki Tourist last summer.
The 22-year old has made 17 appearances for his side with seven starts and two goals.
Due to Russia’s invasion of the country, the Ukrainian league has been put on hold and it has caused damage to several other Nigerian players including, Michael Obamina of Rukh Lviv, Viv Solomon-Otabor who plays for Rukh Lviv and Henry Tedum Paago of Trustyanets as well as John David Chukwufumnanya of Real Pharma Odesa including Bright John Essien of Peremoga Dnipro.
Who Is Most Affected
Among the list of players who are affected by this war, Chidera Ejike will be the most affected as his place is threatened by lack of playing time.
As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepares to take on the Black Stars of Ghana later this month in a crunch World Cup qualifiers, the winger may rightly be ignored as he is not match-fit for the task ahead.
It may also affect his future World Cup appearance should Nigeria qualify and the War not being halted as a no club man without being match fit can be invited to the World football event.
