Eagles step up Russia prep as 17 train in Novgorod

Some members of the Super Eagles team during training

The Super Eagles stepped up preparations for their international friendly against Russia on Saturday afternoon, with 17 players taking part in the first training session in Nizhny Novgorod.

The group included 101-cap Moses Simon, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams. Popoola Abdulrasaq is also among the players who have joined the camp.

The team will have two more training sessions on Sunday and Monday before the game against the Russian national team at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday evening. The venue has a capacity of 44,000 and was prepared for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Players and officials arrived in Russia on Friday. They travelled on Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines flights through Istanbul and Addis Ababa respectively, landed in Moscow and were then flown to Nizhny Novgorod.

Head coach Éric Chelle is using the October window to continue work with his squad after the opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on September 25 before losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29.

Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scored for the hosts, who lead Group L with six points, three ahead of Nigeria. It was the Super Eagles’ first defeat by a three-goal margin against African opposition since a 5-1 loss to Algeria at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations. Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts, so only one place is available from the group.

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The squad has also been reshaped. Captain Wilfred Ndidi withdrew from the assignment, while Victory Akpe was ruled out with an injury picked up in training. John Otomewo and Vince Osuji were called up as replacements.

The friendly gives Chelle a chance to work with the group away from the pressure of qualifying. Nigeria are ranked 26th in the world, nine places above Russia, who are 35th. The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tuesday’s game is only the second senior meeting between the countries. The first was a friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 6, 2025, which ended 1-1.

Russia went ahead when defender Semi Ajayi turned the ball into his own net, before Tolu Arokodare levelled for Nigeria.

Russia had 58 per cent of possession and 10 shots to Nigeria’s six that day. Russia, suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since February 2022, have filled their international windows with friendlies. The Super Eagles will hope for a better result on Tuesday, October 6.