Russia vs Nigeria – News and Probable Lineups

Following a shaky start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualification journey, Nigeria will face Russia in a friendly match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Eric Chelle’s squad experienced a 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau, increasing the pressure on the Super Eagles’ qualifying efforts, while Valery Karpin’s Russia head into the match riding a wave of four straight victories.

Match overview

Since their suspension from UEFA and FIFA tournaments due to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia have not participated in any competitive matches. However, Karpin has ensured his team remains match-fit with a series of international friendlies, yielding positive outcomes.

As they approach Tuesday’s encounter, Russia boasts a four-match winning streak, with each victory displaying two or more goals scored.

Their latest match saw them demolish Namibia with a 6-0 scoreline, featuring six different scorers, which followed a 2-0 victory against Iran in Kazan on September 29, where Aleksandr Golovin netted two goals in the first half.

The last time Russia faced defeat was a slim 1-0 margin against Egypt in May, and they will travel to the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium filled with confidence.

Nigeria, on the other hand, heads into the fixture reeling from a disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, an outcome that has raised significant concerns about the Super Eagles’ chances in a group where only one team can advance.

Chelle’s team kicked off the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo, overcoming an early deficit to claim the win; however, the setback in Bissau has drastically shifted the atmosphere surrounding the squad.

Before the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Nigeria’s latest friendly match was a 2-1 loss against Portugal in June, with Akor Adams providing the lone goal for the Super Eagles.

This recent result, together with their performance against Guinea-Bissau, places Chelle under pressure as he seeks a positive reaction from his players on Tuesday.

Chelle has named a distinct squad for this friendly, opting to evaluate fringe players and newcomers rather than simply fielding the same eleven that has been tasked with AFCON qualification.

For players like Vince Osuji, John Otomewo, and Chibuzo Nwoko, delivering a strong performance on Tuesday could transform a one-time call-up into a lasting position in Chelle’s plans ahead of the November qualifiers.

These two nations clashed for the first and only time in June 2025, resulting in a 1-1 friendly draw, with Semi Ajayi scoring an own goal and Tolu Arokodare marking his debut goal for Nigeria, while Russia dominated possession with 57%.

Tuesday’s rematch provides both teams the chance to create a more significant impact than their previous encounter.

Team News

Karpin is likely to field a strong lineup after the impressive 6-0 win over Namibia, leaving little reason for extensive changes given the dominant display.

Konstantin Tyukavin may be included in the attack after lasting 78 minutes in the victory against Iran, having come off the bench during the rout of Namibia.

Stanislav Agkatsev is expected to remain in goal, with Arsen Adamov, Viktor Melekhin, Artem Karpukas, and Mingiyan Beveev likely featured in the outfield positions.

Nigeria arrives at the match managing several absentees. Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn from the squad, and Victory Akpe, who was called up as his replacement, also pulled out due to an injury in training.

Osuji from Tromso has been brought into the squad in his place, and 19-year-old Stade Reims midfielder Otomewo joins the squad as another fresh presence.

Bright Osayi-Samuel has also withdrawn from the friendly, marking the third player to exit the squad, with Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa from Rostov receiving a late call-up to fill the gap.

Chelle is contending without nine regular members of his preferred starting lineup for this matchup, with Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Osimhen all missing from the traveling squad.

Kelechi Iheanacho is among those present; however, the forward will be looking to translate his impressive club form into a successful international performance.

Rússia probable starting XI:

Agkatsev; Adamov, Melyokhin, Osipenko, Beveev; Karpukas, Prutsev, Umyarov; Miranchuk, Sadulayev, Tyukavin

Nígeria probable starting XI:

Nwabali; James, Fernandez, Benjamin, Igboke; Onyedika, Nwoko, Michael; Simon, Achor, Iheanacho

With home advantage and their strong recent form, Russia appears to be the more settled team entering this fixture, and given Nigeria’s absence of key players, Karpin’s side will likely fancy their chances of securing a victory in front of their supporters. The hosts have scored at least twice in each of their last four matches, showcasing their ability to challenge a makeshift Nigeria defense.

However, the Super Eagles possess enough individual talent within the squad to pose problems for Russia on the counter, and with Chelle’s fringe players keen to make their case for regular inclusion, Nigeria could still equalize if they find themselves trailing.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match, please click here.