The Super Eagles have arrived in Russia ahead of their international friendly against the hosts on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The Nigerian delegation departed Abuja on Thursday and landed at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport, also known as Strigino International Airport, on Friday.
The friendly is scheduled to take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with kick-off set for 6pm Nigerian time.
Chelle Set To Join Team In Russia
The delegation was made up largely of members of the Super Eagles’ backroom staff and players invited from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who did not return with the team from Guinea-Bissau, is expected to join the delegation directly in Russia.
Chelle is expected to use the encounter to assess several players as he continues preparations for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for November.
The friendly will also provide the technical crew with an opportunity to assess the strength and depth of the squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments.
Ndidi Among Players To Withdraw
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the players who have withdrawn from the friendly against Russia.
Team officials also indicated that most of the invited players are expected to travel directly to Russia from their respective bases rather than return to Nigeria before joining the delegation.
The changes give Chelle an opportunity to assess alternative options ahead of Nigeria’s next competitive fixtures.
Nigeria Held Russia To 1-1 Draw In 2025
Nigeria and Russia previously met in an international friendly in June 2025, with both sides playing out a 1-1 draw.
Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser after Russia had taken the lead.
Tuesday’s encounter will therefore be the second successive international friendly between Nigeria and Russia, with the Russian side again hosting the Super Eagles.
Match Details
Match: Russia vs Nigeria
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
Kick-off: 6:00pm Nigerian time, 5:00pm GMT, 8:00pm Moscow time
The match is expected to give Chelle another opportunity to assess players and fine-tune his squad ahead of Nigeria’s November qualifiers.
