Nigeria will look to put their disappointing AFCON qualifying result behind them when the Super Eagles take on Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium today, Trybal News reports.
Eric Chelle’s side arrive in Russia after a turbulent start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. A 2–1 win over Madagascar was followed by a 3–0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, leaving the coach with plenty to consider as he continues to build his squad.
The friendly offers Chelle a different kind of test, with the coach expected to give opportunities to several players outside his established group.
Nigeria’s preparations have been affected by withdrawals, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and several others unavailable. The reduced squad has, however, created opportunities for younger players to make an impression. Tromsø defender Vince Osuji and Reims midfielder John Otomewo are among those hoping to earn their first senior caps.
Kelechi Iheanacho is also back in the fold and could be one of Nigeria’s key attacking outlets alongside Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Russia present a difficult challenge. The hosts have won their last four matches and have scored 14 goals without conceding during that run. Their latest performance was a 6–0 demolition of Namibia, following a 2–0 victory over Iran.
However, Russia are also expected to rotate their squad, giving Nigeria an opportunity to compete against a less familiar combination.
Expected formations
Chelle could retain a 4-3-3, with Stanley Nwabali expected to start behind a defence featuring Bright Osayi-Samuel, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks and Kenneth Igboke.
Raphael Onyedika’s absence could see Chibuzo Nwoko and Stephen Michael given greater responsibility in midfield, while Moses Simon and Akor Adams could support Iheanacho in attack.
Russia are also expected to line up in a 4-3-3, although Valery Karpin is likely to make several changes after Saturday’s heavy victory over Namibia.
Head-to-head
Today’s meeting will be only the second senior international encounter between Nigeria and Russia.
The first, played in Moscow in June 2025, ended 1–1. Russia went ahead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to level the contest in the second half.
Nigeria will therefore be searching for their first victory over Russia.
Prediction: Russia 1–1 Nigeria
Russia’s current form gives the hosts an obvious advantage, particularly after their recent run of high-scoring victories. Nigeria, however, should be motivated to respond after the Guinea-Bissau defeat, while the Russian rotation could bring the teams closer together.
With both coaches using the match to assess their squads, a competitive encounter is expected, with a 1–1 draw our predicted outcome.
For Chelle, however, the result may ultimately be less important than identifying which of the emerging players can make the step up and become genuine options for the Super Eagles.
