Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday as coach Eric Chelle continues to assess his options following a mixed start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium comes after Nigeria opened their qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo before losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
Russia enter the game in strong form after beating Iran 2-0 and Namibia 6-0 in their two October fixtures. The results extended their winning run to four matches, during which they have scored 14 goals without conceding.
Chelle will be without several players for the friendly. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Victory Akpe have withdrawn through injury, while Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola and Moses Usor are also unavailable. Suleiman Mubarak could not travel after failing to secure his residence permit.
John Otomewo and Vince Osuji have been called up as replacements for Ndidi and Akpe. Both players are in line to make their senior international debuts.
Nigeria and Russia have met once at senior level. Their previous encounter in Moscow in June 2025 ended 1-1, with Semi Ajayi scoring an own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised.
The friendly gives Chelle another opportunity to assess his reshaped squad before the 2027 AFCON qualifiers resume in November.
Match details
Fixture: Russia vs Nigeria
Competition: International Friendly
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time
Where to watch: Viewers should check official broadcaster platforms and local listings for confirmed transmission details.
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