New Faces Enter the Fray as Super Eagles Land in Russia for Friendly
The Super Eagles have arrived in Russia ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the hosts, with head coach Éric Chelle set to use the encounter to assess new options and deepen competition within the squad.
Nigeria’s delegation arrived in Moscow on Friday before travelling to Nizhny Novgorod, venue of the October 6 fixture.
The game comes days after the Super Eagles suffered a 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying outing, following a 2–1 win over Madagascar in Uyo.
But Chelle’s Russia squad has a different complexion, with several established players joined by a group of newcomers seeking to make their mark at senior international level.
Michael Atata, Samuel James, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, Abdullahi Umar, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Ridwan Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak and Aderemi Adeoye are among those included in the expanded group.
They will train alongside experienced internationals including Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams.
Chelle has also been forced into two late changes, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Victory Akpe withdrawing from the squad. John Otomewo and Vince Osuji have been called up as replacements, leaving both players in contention for potential senior debuts.
The fixture provides Chelle with an opportunity to examine his squad beyond the regular first-team core, particularly with Nigeria’s competitive calendar resuming in November.
It also gives the new faces a platform to make a case for greater involvement in the national team.
Nigeria and Russia last met in June 2025, when the sides played out a 1–1 draw in Moscow. Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised.
Tuesday’s meeting will therefore be familiar opposition for the Super Eagles, but a markedly different test for a squad undergoing continued assessment.
Russia vs Nigeria
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Kick-off: 6:00pm Nigerian time
For Chelle, the value of the encounter will extend beyond the result. It is an opportunity to gather fresh evidence on the players competing for places and identify the options capable of strengthening the Super Eagles ahead of their next competitive assignment.
