NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA — Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as head coach Eric Chelle continues preparations for the team’s upcoming competitive fixtures.
The match will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm local time in Russia and 5:00pm Nigerian time.
The encounter will provide Chelle with another opportunity to assess his players, experiment with tactical options and evaluate some of the less experienced members of his squad.
Super Eagles Seek Response
Nigeria enter the fixture after a mixed start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles began Group L with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29.
The friendly against Russia therefore offers Nigeria an opportunity to regain momentum and give several players valuable international experience.
Chelle initially selected a 24-man squad for the match, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Raphael Onyedika, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Squad Changes Hit Nigeria
Nigeria have made adjustments to the squad following the withdrawals of Wilfred Ndidi and Victory Akpe.
Vince Osuji and John Otomewo were subsequently called up as replacements.
The Super Eagles will also be without several established players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Their absences will give other members of the squad an opportunity to make an impression as Chelle continues to build his team.
Russia Enjoys Home Advantage
Russia will enter the encounter with the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd.
The hosts have also been involved in recent friendly action, including a meeting with Namibia, as they continue their international preparations.
The match should provide both teams with an opportunity to assess their squads and tactical approaches ahead of future international fixtures.
Nigeria Holds Even Record
Tuesday’s encounter will be only the second senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
Their first meeting took place on June 6, 2025, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and ended in a 1-1 draw.
Russia took the lead after Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The Super Eagles responded in the second half when Tolu Arokodare scored the equaliser.
Neither team has therefore recorded a victory in the fixture.
The head-to-head record stands at:
- Russia wins: 0
- Nigeria wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Russia goals: 1
- Nigeria goals: 1
Kick-Off Time And Venue
The match will be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 44,000 spectators.
The stadium was among the venues used during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
With both nations yet to claim a victory against the other at senior international level, Tuesday’s friendly presents an opportunity for either side to change that record.
For Nigeria, the encounter will also provide Chelle with another important test as he evaluates his squad and prepares the Super Eagles for the challenges ahead.
