The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday as coach Eric Chelle looks to use the encounter to assess his squad and restore confidence following a difficult start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The match will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time, or 7pm in Moscow.
Nigeria head into the encounter after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second AFCON 2027 qualifier. The result came just days after the Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo, leaving Chelle’s side under pressure to produce a more convincing performance.
However, the friendly presents a different challenge for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles facing a Russian side that has been in impressive form during the current international window.
Russia defeated Iran 2-0 before recording a convincing 6-0 victory over Namibia, scoring eight goals in the two matches. The hosts will therefore enter Tuesday’s game with confidence and another opportunity to test themselves against a strong African opponent.
A different-looking Super Eagles
Chelle’s squad for the Russia game has undergone significant changes, with several established players unavailable because of injuries or other circumstances.
Players including Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are among those who will not feature, leaving the coach with an opportunity to examine several fringe and younger players.
Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to the squad, while players such as Stanley Nwabali and Moses Simon are also expected to attract attention as Nigeria seeks to build depth ahead of future competitive fixtures.
The changes have also resulted in late additions to the squad, with Ibrahim Mahfus Ajasa receiving an invitation after several players became unavailable.
Nigeria and Russia renew rivalry
Tuesday’s encounter will be only the second meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
The first came in June 2025 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, where both sides played out a 1-1 draw. Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to equalise for Nigeria in the second half.
The latest meeting therefore gives both teams another opportunity to assess their squads, while for Nigeria, it offers Chelle a chance to experiment with players who could become important to the national team’s plans.
What is at stake for the Super Eagles?
Although the match is a friendly and will not directly affect Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign, its timing makes it significant.
The 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau exposed some of the Super Eagles’ weaknesses, particularly in their ability to turn possession and attacking opportunities into goals. A strong display against Russia would provide a much-needed morale boost and give Chelle useful information ahead of Nigeria’s next competitive assignments.
Russia, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain its positive run and test itself against a Nigerian side that remains one of Africa’s major footballing nations.
With a reshuffled Super Eagles squad facing a confident Russian team, Tuesday’s encounter promises to be more than just another international friendly.
Match details
Fixture: Russia vs Nigeria
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Russia
Kick-off: 5pm Nigerian time / 7pm Moscow time