The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Russia in an international friendly scheduled for the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced the match via its official X handle on Tuesday, describing it as the “second meeting between both nations in 16 months.”
“The fixture has been confirmed by Nigeria’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodatasports,” the NFF said.
Nigeria and Russia last faced each other in an international friendly in Moscow in June 2025, with the encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.
Russia went ahead in the 27th minute after Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi scored an own goal, but Tolu Arokodare restored parity for Nigeria in the 71st minute.
The hosts enjoyed more possession in that game, recording 58 per cent compared to Nigeria’s 42 per cent. Russia also had more attempts at goal, with 10 shots against the Super Eagles’ six.
Russia has been suspended from official FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022 and has since depended largely on international friendlies against different national teams, including several African countries, to remain active competitively.
The October 6 encounter will offer both teams another chance to assess their players and preparations ahead of their respective international commitments.
