The Nigerian delegation left Abuja on Thursday and is expected to be based in Nizhny Novgorod ahead of the encounter. The match will be Nigeria’s second meeting with Russia in 16 months, following a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
Chelle set to assess new players
According to report, the delegation travelling to Russia includes several members of the backroom staff and players invited from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Head coach Éric Chelle did not travel back with the team from Guinea-Bissau and is expected to join the delegation directly in Russia.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the players who have withdrawn from the friendly, while other members of the squad are expected to travel directly from their respective bases.
The fixture is expected to give Chelle an opportunity to assess a number of players, particularly as Nigeria prepare for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for November.
The NFF had previously confirmed a 24-man squad for the Russia friendly, including Ndidi, Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams, alongside several players receiving an opportunity at senior international level.
Nigeria and Russia meet again
The Super Eagles and Russia last met on 6 June 2025 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw.
The upcoming encounter will therefore be the second meeting between the two nations.
The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, will provide the venue for Tuesday’s friendly.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time, 5:00 p.m. GMT and 8:00 p.m. Moscow time.
Nigeria head into the friendly after their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while Russia have been using international friendlies during the current period because they remain suspended from UEFA competition.
The Russia fixture will give Chelle another opportunity to evaluate his options and provide valuable international experience to players looking to establish themselves in the Super Eagles setup.