Super Eagles set for October friendly clash with Russia

Nigeria's Super Eagles have been handed a fresh international friendly, with confirmation that they will square off against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October. The clash comes just a week after Eric Chelle's men wrap up their second AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture away to Guinea Bissau, a game scheduled for Bissau on 29 September. Before that, Nigeria will kick off their qualifying campaign on home turf against Madagascar on Friday, 25 September, giving the team back-to-back competitive outings ahead of the trip to Russia. This won't be the first time the two nations have crossed paths recently. Nigeria and Russia last met in a friendly at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in June last year, a match that ended level at 1-1. On that occasion, Russia took an early lead through an unfortunate own goal from defender Semi Ajayi, before Nigeria hit back in the second half courtesy of a Tolu Arokodare finish to salvage a draw. The upcoming October fixture will offer Chelle another opportunity to assess his squad's depth and form outside of competitive qualifiers, particularly with AFCON 2027 preparations now in full swing. In terms of current world rankings, Nigeria sit at 26th, comfortably ahead of Russia, who occupy the 35th spot, making this an intriguing test for both sides as they look to build momentum heading into their respective campaigns. Fans will be keen to see whether the Super Eagles can go one better than last year's stalemate when the two teams reconvene next month.