‘Eagles will provide good test for Russia’

Retired Russia international Stanislav Cherchesov has praised the Super Eagles as a strong opponent for Russia's upcoming international friendly on October 6, stating it will serve as a solid test for the home team, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. The friendly match will take place at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, which previously hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, following a 1-1 draw between the sides in Moscow just 16 months earlier.

Cherchesov, now coaching Russian Premier League side FC Akhmat Grozny, acknowledged the talent within the Nigerian squad despite uncertainties surrounding coach Eric Chelle's lineup. "All teams, including ours, test something in friendly matches," Cherchesov explained to Championat. "The Iranian and Nigerian teams are of a good standard and have a lot of experience, although I don't know what lineup they’ll be playing, so it will be a good test for the Russian team."

Several key Nigerian players are expected to miss the encounter, including Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagles will arrive in Russia after their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, after opening their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

The last meeting between Nigeria and Russia was in June 2025 at Luzhniki Stadium, where Russia scored through Ajayi's own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalized for the Eagles.