Super Eagles Hit Training Ground As Russia Clash Draws Near

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have commenced preparations for their international friendly against Russia with their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday night.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Nigerian squad began training shortly after arriving in Russia ahead of Tuesday’s encounter against the host nation.

The team will, however, be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Akpe Victory, who have withdrawn from the fixture. Head coach Éric Chelle has subsequently invited John Otomewo and Vince Osuji as replacements for the unavailable players.

The Super Eagles are expected to continue their preparations with another training session before facing Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6pm Nigerian time.

The encounter will be Nigeria’s second senior international meeting with Russia. The Super Eagles previously faced the Russians in an international friendly in Moscow in 2025, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

The Nigerian delegation and some members of the backroom staff travelled ahead of the fixture, while several foreign-based players joined the squad in Russia.

Chelle is also expected to oversee the team after travelling separately following Nigeria’s recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to use the Russia friendly to assess their squad and fine-tune preparations ahead of their upcoming competitive engagements.