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 be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Russia, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm local time and 5:00pm Nigerian time.
The fixture will be only the second senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
Super Eagles Seek Return to Winning Ways
Nigeria will enter the friendly looking to bounce back from a disappointing result in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles started their Group L campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
However, Nigeria suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29, leaving the team under pressure to respond in their next outing.
The Russia friendly gives Chelle an opportunity to assess his players, experiment with different tactical approaches and give valuable playing time to members of his squad.
Nigeria Squad for Russia Friendly
Chelle initially named a 24-man squad for the encounter, including several players receiving senior international call-ups.
Among those selected are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Raphael Onyedika, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
There were subsequently changes to the squad after Wilfred Ndidi and Victory Akpe withdrew from the team.
Vince Osuji and John Otomewo were called up as replacements.
Nigeria will also be without several established stars for the match.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi are among the players unavailable for the friendly.
Russia vs Nigeria: What to Expect
Russia will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd and will be looking to build on its recent international friendly outings.
The hosts have also been involved in friendly action recently, including a meeting with Namibia.
For Nigeria, the game represents an opportunity to regain confidence following the defeat to Guinea-Bissau and assess the depth of the squad ahead of more important competitive matches.
Nigeria vs Russia Kick-Off Time and Venue
The international friendly will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Match: Russia vs Nigeria
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Russia
Kick-off: 7:00pm local time / 5:00pm Nigeria time
The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium has a capacity of approximately 44,000 spectators and was one of the venues used during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria vs Russia Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria and Russia have met only once previously at senior international level.
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 scored an own goal.
The Super Eagles responded in the second half when Tolu Arokodare scored the equaliser to secure a draw.
Neither country has therefore recorded a senior international victory over the other.
Current Head-to-Head Record
- Russia wins: 0
- Nigeria wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Russia goals: 1
- Nigeria goals: 1
Tuesday’s encounter will consequently be only the second senior international meeting between the two nations.
Both teams will be seeking their first victory in the fixture when they meet at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
For Nigeria, the match provides Chelle with another opportunity to assess his squad and find solutions ahead of the Super Eagles’ next competitive assignments.