By Cross Stone
Russia will host Nigeria on Friday in their first ever senior level encounter, with both teams using the international friendly to assess form and squad depth.
Barred from official tournaments since 2022, Russia have remained active through exhibition matches and are currently on an eight-match winning streak without conceding a goal.
Their most recent result was a dominant five nil victory over Zambia.
Nigeria are also unbeaten in six matches and see the fixture as key preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
However, the Super Eagles will be without several key players including Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze. Maduka Okoye returns in goal, while captain William Troost Ekong is expected to provide leadership and stability.
With Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions at stake and Russia eager to face quality opposition, the match is set to be more than a routine friendly.
