Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Russia in an international friendly on October 6 as part of their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The encounter will be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, giving Eric Chelle’s side another opportunity to test themselves against European opposition.
The fixture comes just one week after Nigeria’s second AFCON 2027 qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29.
Nigeria face busy September schedule
Before travelling to Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles will open their qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar on September 25.
The two qualifiers will provide Chelle with competitive matches before Nigeria turn their attention to the meeting with Russia.
The October friendly should also give the coach an opportunity to assess players and tactical options ahead of the remainder of the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria and Russia have already met in a friendly in recent years, with both teams sharing the spoils in Moscow.
Super Eagles seeking another positive result
Their previous encounter took place at the Luzhniki Stadium on June 6, 2025, where the match ended 1-1.
Russia took the lead through an own goal by Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi in the first half, but the Super Eagles responded after the interval.
Tolu Arokodare restored parity for Nigeria to ensure the teams finished level.
The upcoming meeting will therefore give both sides another chance to claim bragging rights, with Nigeria currently ranked 26th in the world and Russia occupying 35th position.
