The Super Eagles have arrived in Russia ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the host nation, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed.
The Nigerian delegation, which departed Abuja on Thursday, arrived at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport, also known as Strigino International Airport, on Friday ahead of the encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The travelling party comprised mainly members of the team’s backroom staff and players invited from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who did not return with the team from Guinea-Bissau, is expected to join the delegation in Russia, while most of the invited foreign-based players are expected to travel directly from their respective clubs.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn from the friendly, leaving Moses Simon as the most experienced player in the travelling squad. Simon is expected to provide leadership for a new-look Super Eagles side against Russia.
Home-based players Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Kenneth Igboke were also included in the travelling party as Chelle looks to assess a blend of established players and emerging talents.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is in the squad alongside defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams are also expected to feature.
Chelle has also recalled experienced forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who has made a positive start to his spell with Turkish club Bursaspor.
Several players could make their senior international debuts, including Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Chibuzo Nwoko.
Ndidi and Akpe Victory have been replaced in the squad by Vince Osuji and John Otomewo.
Chelle is expected to use the encounter to assess his options as preparations continue for Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments, including the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for November.
Nigeria last faced Russia in an international friendly in June 2025, with the Super Eagles playing out a 1-1 draw against the hosts. Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser in that encounter.
Tuesday’s fixture will be the second meeting between Nigeria and Russia in 16 years.
The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nigerian time, 5 p.m. GMT and 8 p.m. Moscow time at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
