Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Head coach Éric Chelle has selected an experimental 24-man squad for the match, the second meeting between the two nations in 16 months. Wilfred Ndidi was originally named captain, but the Besiktas midfielder withdrew from the trip without an official reason given.
Moses Simon, the experienced Paris FC winger and most capped player remaining in the group, is now expected to lead the side. The Nigerian contingent, including several home-based players, arrived in Russia on Friday after departing Abuja the previous evening, with Chelle set to join them on site.
Chelle first released the squad in mid-September, resting high-profile names such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to give opportunities to a mix of established internationals and new faces. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks and Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams were among those retained.
The list also featured first-time senior call-ups including Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James and Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe. On 2 October, further changes followed when Akpe also withdrew.
Midfielder John Otomewo of Stade de Reims and defender Vince Osuji of Tromsø received late invitations and are in line for potential debuts. Home-based players such as goalkeeper Michael Atata, midfielder Aderemi Adeoye and defender Kenneth Igboke form part of the travelling party.
The fixture gives Chelle a chance to assess depth and expand his options after Nigeria’s mixed start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1 at home before a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau.
Russia hosted Nigeria in June 2025 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, where the sides drew 1-1. Semi Ajayi scored an own goal for the hosts before Tolu Arokodare equalised. Tuesday’s encounter at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, a 2018 World Cup venue, is scheduled for an 8:00 pm Moscow time kick-off, which is 6:00 pm Nigerian time.
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