Super Eagles aim for win vs Russia in Nizhny Novgorod friendly Tuesday
Super Eagles will face Russia in a friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, kickoff set for 6pm Nigerian time, as Eric Chelle’s side looks to end a turbulent international window on a high. Nigeria began the window with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, prompting calls for a stronger showing. Chelle has insisted victory is the target despite squad disruptions: captain Wilfred Ndidi is injured, Eintracht Frankfurt did not release Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel is unavailable, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was not initially invited, will not feature. After late call-ups, the squad stands at 19 players, including FC Rostov midfielder Ibrahim Ajasa and recalled striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has scored 11 goals in eight Turkish appearances after more than 16 months away.
Russia arrive as confident hosts, having beaten Iran and Namibia, most recently a 6-0 demolition of Namibia where Konstantin Tyukavin scored; he has also contributed four goals and an assist in seven league appearances this season. The hosts will miss Aleksandr Golovin (ankle injury) and Dmitry Vorobyov, but retain ample attacking options. The two teams met once before in June 2025, drawing 1-1 in Moscow after an own goal by Semi Ajayi and a 71st‑minute equaliser from Tolu Arokodare. Over 38,000 tickets have been sold for the 41,300‑capacity venue.
For Chelle, the match is a chance to impose greater defensive discipline, evaluate fringe players, and gauge Iheanacho’s impact. Will the adjusted Super Eagles deliver a convincing performance and secure a positive result, or will the ongoing squad reshuffle hinder their cohesion against a motivated Russian side?