Super Eagles Step Up Russia Preparations as 17 Players Train in Nizhny Novgorod

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have intensified preparations for their international friendly against Russia after 17 players participated in the team’s first training session in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday.

The training session marked the beginning of Nigeria’s final preparations for Tuesday’s encounter against Russia’s senior national team at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the group included experienced winger Moses Simon, who has earned 101 international caps, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to hold two additional training sessions on Sunday and Monday as head coach Éric Chelle continues to assess his squad and work on the tactical approach for the friendly.

Nigeria’s preparation comes after a difficult start to the current 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The team defeated Madagascar 2–1 in Uyo before suffering a 3–0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, increasing the importance of upcoming international assignments as Chelle continues to reshape the squad.

The Russia friendly is also expected to provide an opportunity for several players to strengthen their claims for regular places in the national team. The NFF had initially announced a 24-man squad for the fixture, although subsequent changes have affected the group, including the withdrawal of captain Wilfred Ndidi and an injury to defender Victory Akpe.

The Nigerian delegation travelled through Istanbul and Addis Ababa before reaching Moscow and continuing to Nizhny Novgorod. The team will now use the remaining training sessions to improve coordination, tactical discipline and match readiness ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.

Nigeria and Russia have met once previously at senior international level. Their June 2025 friendly in Moscow ended in a 1–1 draw. Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare restored parity for Nigeria.

For Chelle, the upcoming fixture represents another opportunity to evaluate his options, particularly with Nigeria looking to recover from their recent qualifying setback and build greater consistency ahead of future competitive matches.

The Russia encounter will therefore carry significance beyond the result, offering the Super Eagles coaching staff valuable information about the squad’s depth, tactical flexibility and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The Super Eagles have begun preparations for their Russia friendly in Nizhny Novgorod, with 17 players taking part in the first training session ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.