The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Russia ahead of their international friendly against the hosts on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Trybal News reports.
The Nigerian delegation, which departed Abuja on Thursday, arrived at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport, also known as Strigino International Airport, on Friday ahead of the encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The travelling delegation was made up largely of members of the team’s backroom staff and players invited from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Head coach Eric Chelle, who did not travel back with the team from Guinea-Bissau, is expected to join the delegation directly in Russia.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn from the friendly and has been replaced by Vince Osuji, while Victory Akpe has also been replaced by Otomewo.
The bulk of the invited players are expected to travel directly to Russia from their respective bases, according to team officials.
Chelle is expected to use the encounter to assess several players as preparations continue for Nigeria’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign scheduled for November.
Nigeria previously faced Russia in an international friendly in June 2025, with the Super Eagles holding the hosts to a 1-1 draw. Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser in that encounter.
Tuesday’s friendly is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time (5:00 p.m. GMT; 8:00 p.m. Moscow time) at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Full Super Eagles Squad
