Nigeria Super Eagles players in neon green training kits practicing with footballs on the pitch during their first session in Nizhny Novgorod ahead of the international friendly against Russia
Super Eagles players traning ahead of Russia friendly


Nigeria’s Super Eagles held their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as they prepare for an international friendly against Russia. 

Seventeen players took part in the session, which marked the start of on-site preparations after the squad arrived in Russia the previous day. 

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, a 44,000-capacity venue built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

Head coach Éric Chelle is using the October international window to work with his available players following recent competitive fixtures.

The group that trained included experienced winger Moses Simon, who has earned 101 international caps, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams. 

Popoola Abdulrasaq was also among those present. Players and officials reached Nizhny Novgorod after traveling on Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines flights that routed through Istanbul and Addis Ababa, landing first in Moscow before the final leg of the journey.

Chelle called up John Otomewo and Vince Osuji as replacements. The Super Eagles enter the friendly after mixed results in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, a 2-1 home win over Madagascar on September 25 followed by a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Two further training sessions are planned for Sunday and Monday before the Tuesday evening kickoff, set for approximately 6 p.m. Nigerian time.