Nigeria arrived at Nizhny Novgorod Airport on Friday afternoon and proceeded to their hotel, where the players were given time to recover from the long journey and adjust to the conditions ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.
Chelle steps up preparations
Head coach Éric Chelle is expected to lead the team’s first training session at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium as the Super Eagles begin their tactical preparations for the friendly.
The session provides Chelle with an opportunity to assess the players following their journey and work on the tactical approach for a Russian side that will present a different challenge to Nigeria’s recent opponents.
Nigeria are looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The result left Guinea-Bissau top of Group L with six points, while Nigeria remain second on three points after two matches. The Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Several players unavailable
Nigeria will be without some key players for the Russia friendly, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, who has withdrawn from the squad.
The absence of several established players gives Chelle an opportunity to assess other members of his squad as he continues to build depth ahead of Nigeria’s next competitive fixtures.
Earlier reports also confirmed that the Nigeria delegation travelled to Russia after the team’s recent AFCON qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau. The Russia match is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 October, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Nigeria and Russia meet again
The friendly will be only the second senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
The two countries previously met in Moscow in June 2025, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. Semi Ajayi scored an own goal for Russia before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria.
The forthcoming encounter will give Chelle another opportunity to assess his squad and make tactical adjustments before Nigeria return to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Match details
• Fixture: Russia vs Nigeria
• Competition: International friendly
• Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Russia
• Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
• Previous meeting: Russia 1-1 Nigeria, June 2025