Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has made it clear that Nigeria’s clash against Russia in Thursday’s BetBoom friendly is more than just a game — it’s an opportunity to compete, connect, and continue the team’s growth under new leadership.
Speaking from Moscow ahead of the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Troost-Ekong, who featured for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reflected on his return to familiar territory.
“This is not my first time in Moscow and Russia, I have already played in Krasnodar and Volgograd and other cities in 2018,” he said. “Yesterday we walked around the city a little, visited Red Square. But we are here on business – this is not a tourist trip. Together with the coach, we have already discussed how we will act in the match.”
Troost-Ekong admitted he hasn’t kept up with recent changes in the Russian national team, but the Super Eagles have been studying their opponents closely over the past few days.
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“I don’t know much about the Russian team now. We understand that the team has changed a lot. Over the past three days, we’ve watched a lot of videos to better understand what they’re playing,” he said. “We’re taking this opponent very seriously. We know that the Russian team hasn’t conceded a single goal in the last few matches – we’ll try to change that tomorrow.”
Nigeria will be aiming to break through a disciplined Russian side known for its pressing and structure.
“We have seen that the Russian team plays aggressively, often using a 4-3-3 formation and high pressing,” Troost-Ekong said. “This will not be an easy task for us, but I will not go into details. We know both the strengths and weaknesses of this team.”
With Nigeria continuing its rebuild under coach Eric Chelle, Troost-Ekong believes the match is a key opportunity to test new tactics and give younger players a chance to prove themselves.
“We will try to combine different styles – we have an understanding of how to act,” he said. “We have been working with the coach only since the beginning of the year, and this match is a good chance to make our team stronger and continue progressing.
“There are new players in the squad – this is a great opportunity for them to show how they meet the expectations of the coaching staff.”
While the fixture is a friendly on paper, Troost-Ekong made it clear that the Super Eagles are approaching it with serious intent.
“The match is important. It is friendly, but we still want to win,” he said. “I think, despite the friendly status of the meeting, both teams will strive for victory.”
Beyond the result, the Nigerian captain emphasized the power of football to bring people together.
“Football unites nations – for us it is an opportunity to meet, get to know each other, show respect for each other and show that football is not just a game, but something more,” he said. “Football unites people and shows the best of humanity. Tomorrow the match will be watched by a wide range of spectators – both Nigerian and Russian fans. I hope that many spectators will come to the stadium, and it will be a great pride for us to play in front of them.”
Troost-Ekong also recalled Nigerian players who have featured in Russian clubs in the past.
“Yes, the first ones that come to mind are Brian Idowu, Victor Moses, who was in Moscow’s Spartak,” he said. “Now we have a young footballer from Krasnodar on our team.”
The Super Eagles will face Russia on Friday, June 6, at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 06:00pm Nigerian time.
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