Nigeria to test Russia’s strength in Moscow showdown

By Femi Fabunmi

After winning the four-nation Unity Cup in London, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Russia in an international friendly match on Friday night at the famous Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, which seats 78,000 people.

This is the first time both countries will meet at the senior level. Although Russia has not played any competitive matches since February 2022, they have been active in friendly games.

Their last game was a big 5-0 win over Zambia on March 25, making it eight straight wins for them in friendlies.

The Super Eagles have also been doing well this year. They beat Rwanda 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in March, then drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe.

In May, they defeated Ghana 2-1 and later won the Unity Cup by beating Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Nigeria and the former Soviet Union (now Russia) met during the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship.

The Soviet team beat Nigeria 2-1 in the group stage, but Nigeria later won the third-place match on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Moscow.

Coach Eric Chelle will lead the Super Eagles with the goal of keeping their winning form and building confidence ahead of two important 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in September.

Nigeria is currently fourth in their group. They will face Rwanda at home and then travel to South Africa to play group leaders Bafana Bafana.

Some key players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze are missing due to injury or other reasons, but most of the team is still in place.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is expected to start, with defenders like William Troost-Ekong (captain), Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and new faces Igoh Ogbu and Benjamin Fredericks ready to play.

Midfielders include Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel, and Saviour Isaac.

In attack, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare will lead the line, while Olakunle Olusegun of Krasnodar FC in Russia hopes to play his first match for the Super Eagles.

The Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 2018 World Cup Final, where France beat Croatia 4-2. It was also where Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 and knocked out Spain on penalties.

Kick-off for Nigeria vs. Russia is 8:00 p.m. on Friday.