The Russian national football team has received a major boost ahead of their international friendly against Nigeria with the arrival of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov in the early hours of today.
Safonov had missed the initial camp call-up due to club duties with PSG, who secured a dominant 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final last Friday. The 26-year-old served as PSG’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
With Safonov’s arrival, all 31 invited players for the friendly are now present in camp, as Russia finalizes preparations for Friday’s clash with the Super Eagles.
On the other side, the Nigerian team has arrived in Moscow and held their first training session at the Moskvich Stadium. Olympiacos defender Bruno Onyemaechi was the last to join the squad due to visa complications, causing him to miss the team’s opening training session.
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Head coach Eric Chelle and his squad will be aiming to extend their fine run of form during the summer international window, having previously recorded wins against Ghana and Jamaica at the Unity Cup.
Nigeria will, however, be without several key players for the friendly, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali, and Ola Aina, among others.
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