Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The encounter is scheduled just one week after Nigeria’s second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
Eric Chelle’s men will first kick off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar’s Barea on Friday, September 25.
The October friendly will be the second meeting between both countries in 16 months, following their 1-1 draw in Moscow on June 6, 2025.
Russia took the lead in the first half at the Luzhniki Stadium after Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi scored an own goal.
However, the Super Eagles responded after the break, with striker Tolu Arokodare finding the back of the net to restore parity.
Nigeria currently occupy 26th place in the FIFA world rankings, while Russia are ranked 35th.
The meeting in Nizhny Novgorod will offer Chelle’s side another opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition as they continue their preparations for the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
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