Super Eagles to face Russia again as NFF confirms October friendly

Nigeria's Super Eagles will renew their rivalry with Russia in an international friendly on October 6, just days after beginning their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The match will be staged at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, one of the venues that hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

It will be only the second senior Russian international match played at the stadium since the tournament, following Russia's 1-0 victory over Cyprus during a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier in 2019.

The fixture was confirmed by Nigeria's FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodatasports, and will mark the second meeting between the two nations in just 16 months.

Nigeria and Russia last faced each other on June 6, 2025, in Moscow, where the teams played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium.

The hosts took the lead through an unfortunate Semi Ajayi own goal, but Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare rescued Nigeria with a second-half equaliser to earn a share of the spoils.

Now, both nations will meet again, with the Super Eagles hoping to build on that encouraging performance when they travel to Russia in October.

The timing of the match makes it particularly significant for Nigeria. Before heading to Russia, the Super Eagles will launch their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with two fixtures.

On September 25, Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Bissau for a clash against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.