The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their international friendly against Russia after holding their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday.
A group of 17 players took part in the opening training session, with winger Moses Simon, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams among those involved.
The session marked the beginning of Nigeria’s final preparations for Tuesday’s encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with the Super Eagles scheduled to hold two more training sessions on Sunday and Monday.
The team travelled to Russia aboard Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines flights, passing through Istanbul and Addis Ababa respectively before arriving in Moscow. The delegation then travelled onward to Nizhny Novgorod ahead of the friendly.
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Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle earlier made two changes to his squad for the fixture, with Vince Osuji and John Otomewo called up to replace captain Wilfred Ndidi and Basel defender Victory Akpe.
Ndidi, who started both of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, has been rested for the friendly, while Akpe’s withdrawal came without an official reason being disclosed.
The Super Eagles head into the Russia clash looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their most recent AFCON qualifier. Nigeria had defeated Madagascar 2-1 in their opening Group L fixture and currently sit second with three points.
Tuesday’s encounter will be the second meeting between both nations in recent times.
Russia and Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on June 6, 2025, with the hosts taking the lead through a 27th-minute own goal by Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi.
Tolu Arokodare restored parity for Nigeria in the 71st minute, netting his first international goal as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
With both teams set to meet again in Nizhny Novgorod, Chelle will be hoping his side can produce a stronger performance and end their latest international assignment on a winning note.
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