Super Eagles Russia friendly is set for October 6 in Nizhny Novgorod, following Nigeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia in an intriguing international friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as Eric Chelle’s side prepares for a demanding run of competitive fixtures.

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The Super Eagles Russia friendly will come exactly one week after Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29.

Before travelling to Guinea-Bissau, Eric Chelle’s squad will open Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, September 25.

The sequence of fixtures will give Chelle an opportunity to assess his squad against different styles of opposition while maintaining competitive sharpness during the international window.

Nigeria and Russia have met previously in a senior international friendly, with both sides playing out a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on June 6, 2025.

Russia took the lead in that encounter after Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi scored an own goal in the first half.

Nigeria responded after the interval, with striker Tolu Arokodare finding the equaliser to ensure that the two sides shared the spoils.

The October meeting will therefore provide both teams with another opportunity to test their squads.

Nigeria currently occupy 26th position in the FIFA world rankings, while Russia are ranked 35th.

For Chelle, the fixture offers valuable preparation after two potentially demanding AFCON qualifiers and could provide an opportunity to assess players ahead of the Super Eagles’ broader international commitments.

The Super Eagles Russia friendly will also renew a relatively recent sporting connection between Nigeria and Russia following their 2025 encounter in Moscow.

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With the AFCON qualifying campaign beginning in September, the October fixture is expected to form part of an important period for Chelle as he continues to shape the Super Eagles and build momentum towards Nigeria’s major international objectives.