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International Friendly
Russia v Nigeria
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Friday 6 June, 2025
18:00
Russia and Nigeria will meet for an eagerly-anticipated
International Friendly, set for the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on the evening of Friday 6 June, 2025. Kick-off is at 18:00.
Russia, who have been confined only to friendly matches since 2022 due to the FIFA and UEFA ban associated with the country’s military aggression in Ukraine, are chasing a ninth successive win.
The ‘Sbornaya’ were last in action in March during the international window, racking up back-to-back 5-0 wins over Grenada and Zambia in Moscow, featuring goals for the likes of Arsen Adamov, Artem Dzyuba, and Maksim Glushenkov.
However, they expect a much tougher test against Nigeria, with the Super Eagles regarded as one of the stronger African nations.
“Nigeria have a strong history, and individual players with remarkable talent,” said Russia head coach Valery Karpin. “We are excited to host them in Moscow for what will be the first match between the nations.”
Nigeria come into the match on the back of a triumph in the Unity Cup (a friendly tournament involving Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago) in London this past weekend, as they continue their preparations for the resumption of 2026 World Cup qualifiers later in the year.
The Super Eagles fielded a mix of experienced and regular squad members alongside up-and-coming youngsters for the Unity Cup, but the squad has been strengthened for the trip to Moscow by the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Victor Boniface.
However, star forward Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent, with both seemingly given time to work on potential transfers away from Napoli and Atalanta respectively.
“My job is to work and try to do the best for this team, for Nigeria, for local players, and for the other players. So, we will work. I am happy to be here with my players, and we are focused on the next game,” said Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle.
In head-to-head terms, this will be the first meeting between Russia and Nigeria.
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