The Nigerian Super Eagles are set to take on Russia in an international match of senior level to be played for the first time in history. The historic match will be played on the Friday 6 June 2025, at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The kickoff time is set for 6:45 5:45 pm Nigerian time.
This game is the first ever senior-level match between the two countries, although their youth teams had played before in other competitions. Russia enters the match in good form winning the last eight international friendly matches with 5-0 wins, including recent victories against Zambia as well as Grenada.
Nigeria is, in contrast is also in good spirits after the last Unity Cup win in London. They Super Eagles beat Ghana 2-1 in the semi-finals before they beat Jamaica in a thrilling penalty shootout 5-4 following an 2-2 draw during the championship.
Despite the absence of key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, the Nigerian team is still strong. Captain William Troost Ekong will head the team, which features notable names like Victor Boniface, Moses Simon as well as Tolu Arokodare. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is likely to replace Stanley Nwabali, who is absent due to personal reasons.
The coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence that his team will perform. The match is an crucial test for the Super Eagles prepare for future World Cup qualifying games.
The game also gives coaches an opportunity to experiment with different formations and see how players react under stress.
