Former Super Eagles players have urged the team to maintain their strong form under coach Eric Chelle as they face Russia in a friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, today.
The match marks the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Russia and comes on the heels of Nigeria’s Unity Cup triumph in London. Since Chelle took charge in March, the Super Eagles have remained unbeaten in four games, recording two wins and two draws.
However, today’s challenge is significant, as Russia have won all seven of their matches in 2025, scoring 36 goals without conceding.
According to The PUNCH, AFCON 1980 winner Henry Nwosu predicted a draw, acknowledging Russia’s strength but highlighting Nigeria as their toughest opponent yet. “I want Nigeria to win, but I expect a draw because of how Russia will approach the game,” he said.
2004 AFCON bronze medallist Ifeanyi Udeze expressed hope that new players in the squad would prove their worth. “It’s just a friendly game, but we want to see them turn up and have a good game. We also want to see the new players who are playing for the Super Eagles for the first time. I want them to give their best. It might be friendly, but we don’t want to lose.”
Today’s fixture is Nigeria’s third in the current international window, and coach Chelle stressed its value ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming in September.
“We have an important goal in September. So I saw this as an opportunity to give many players a chance to show what they can do,” Chelle said.
Chelle’s tenure began with a win and a draw in two World Cup qualifiers, but Nigeria remain fourth in Group C with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. To qualify, they must win their remaining four matches: Rwanda (home), South Africa (away), Lesotho (away), and Benin Republic (home).