Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia is more than just a routine fixture, as the team prepares for key tournaments and qualification matches.
The match is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with the Super Eagles facing a Russia side Chelle described as “formidable”.
“Although it’s a friendly, we have serious goals: first, we want to win; second, we aim to use this match to prepare for upcoming tournaments and qualifying games,” the Nigerian coach told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.
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Chelle, who took charge of the team earlier this year, praised the quality and intensity of the Russian side.
“The Russian national team is very strong, with many high-caliber players. They play an intense, aggressive, and technically sound game,” he said. “Right now, I’m focused on developing a solid plan for the match.”
Eric Chelle alongside NFF President Musa Gusau ( L) and NSC Boss Shehu Dikko(R) at the Unity Cup in London. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Since his appointment, the Super Eagles have gone unbeaten in four matches under Chelle, registering three wins and a draw, including a recent 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup.
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Friday’s match is expected to provide valuable insight into the progress of the team, particularly with several new players in the squad and competitive qualifiers on the horizon.
