Nigeria will face a formidable test of their progress under new head coach Eric Chelle when they take on in-form Russia in an international friendly at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.
This marks the first-ever senior international meeting between the two sides, with both nations keen to use the clash as preparation for upcoming competitive fixtures.
The hosts arrive in red-hot form. Russia have won all seven of their matches in 2024, scoring a remarkable 36 goals without conceding a single one.
Their recent results include emphatic 5-0 victories over Zambia and Grenada, a commanding 11-0 win against Brunei, and a 3-0 triumph over Serbia.
Their last competitive action came before their suspension from FIFA and UEFA tournaments in 2022, but they have continued to schedule friendlies against willing opponents.
A team photo for the Russian national football team seen before the friendly match between the national teams of Russia and Grenada at the VTB Arena stadium. (Photo by Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov headlines a squad that blends experience with emerging talent. Maksim Glushenkov, who netted a hat-trick against Zambia, and exciting prospect Alexey Batrakov are expected to lead the line.
Chelle’s Quiet Rebuild with Nigeria
Since taking over in January, Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle has overseen a steady rebuild of the Nigerian national team.
Eric Chelle, head coach of Nigeria, before the Unity Cup Final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Getty Images)
The Super Eagles are unbeaten in four matches under his leadership winning three and drawing one — and recently lifted the Unity Cup, defeating Ghana and Jamaica to claim the trophy.
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Despite the progress, Chelle faces selection challenges. Nigeria are without several key players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Ola Aina, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, and Nathan Tella are also unavailable due to injury, personal reasons, or documentation issues.
In their absence, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Tolu Arokodare are expected to lead the attack. There could also be a debut for Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun, who once represented Nigeria at U-20 level.
Moses Simon, and Benjamin Fredrick pose with the cup after the Unity Cup Final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. [Photo Credit: Imago].
Captain William Troost-Ekong anchors a backline that includes Unity Cup standout Semi Ajayi, while Brentford’s Frank Onyeka is expected to play a key role in midfield.
What to Expect
While Russia’s current form and home advantage make them favourites, Nigeria are quietly building under Chelle and will be keen to test their new-look squad against high-level opposition.
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Russia’s firepower and structure will challenge a Super Eagles side still adjusting to a new tactical approach.
Players of the Russian national football team seen during a friendly match between the national teams of Russia and Grenada at the VTB Arena stadium. (Photo by Getty Images)
But with exciting young players looking to prove themselves and a tactical plan beginning to take shape, Nigeria could spring a surprise — or at least measure their progress on one of football’s grandest stages.
Head-to-Head
- This will be the first senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
- Russia have played multiple African nations recently, beating Zambia (5-0), drawing with Kenya (2-2), and narrowly defeating Cameroon (1-0).
- Nigeria’s last notable win over a European team came at the 2018 World Cup in Russia when they beat Iceland 2-0.
