By Teddy Nwanunobi
After their embarrassing 3-0 to the African Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday,
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face a Russian side expected to make serious changes to its starting lineup in next Tuesday’s international friendly.
Legendary Russian coach, Valery Nepomnyashchy, made the revelation after Russia defeated Iran 2-0 in Kazan on Tuesday, with Aleksandr Golovin scoring both goals.
The result was Russia’s first game of the International break, with Valery Karpin’s side scheduled to face Namibia on October 3 before meeting Nigeria three days later.
Despite Russia’s impressive display against Iran, Nepomnyashchy believes the Super Eagles will be a more difficult challenge for the hosts, particularly with changes expected in the Russian lineup.
Speaking to Russian outlet Euro-Football, Nepomnyashchy was asked about Russia’s upcoming games against Namibia and Nigeria following their victory over Iran.
The former Cameroon coach described Namibia as a dark horse, but had a much stronger prediction about the Super Eagles.
“Against Nigeria, it will be roughly the same as yesterday. We will have a difficult time.
“I think there will be serious changes in our lineup. The Russian national team may even have a harder time than against Iran,” Nepomnyashchy said.
His comments came after Russia produced an impressive first-half performance against Iran, with Monaco midfielder Golovin finding the net in the 21st and 36th minutes.
The 83-year-old also highlighted the difference between players competing in Russia and those playing in Europe, pointing to Golovin and Safonov as examples of players who made a significant impact against Iran.
After opening their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, the Super Eagles were roundly beaten in Bissau on September 29, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé, and Álvaro Djaló scoring for the hosts.
However, Eric Chelle has a different squad at his disposal against Russia. The Franco-Malian tactician named a separate 24-man squad for the friendly, with Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Benjamin Fredrick, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Akor Adams among the more experienced players included.
The squad also contains several players who could make their senior debuts, including: Ikorodu City goalkeeper, Michael Atata; SJK goalkeeper, Samuel James; and Basel defender, Victory Akpe.
The changes on both sides could, therefore, make the clash very different from the previous encounter between the countries.
Russia and Nigeria drew 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025, with Semi Ajayi scoring an own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised in the second half.
The upcoming meeting will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6, but Russia will first face Namibia on Saturday before turning their attention to the Super Eagles three days later.