By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will play an international friendly against the Sbornaya of Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Russia on October 6, 2026, marking the second meeting between both nations in 16 months.
The NFF announced the fixture on its official X handle on Tuesday. The upcoming encounter serves as a rematch of their previous friendly in Moscow in June 2025, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
In that contest, Russia took an early lead through a 27th-minute own goal from Nigeria defender, Semi Ajayi, before Tolu Arokodare levelled the scores for the Super Eagles in the 71st minute.
Statistical analysis of the previous meeting showed Russia dominating possession with 58 per cent compared to Nigeria’s 42 per cent, while the hosts also outshot the Super Eagles 10 attempts to six.
Russia has been suspended from official FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022 and has since relied on arranging friendly matches against various national teams, including several African sides, to maintain competitive activity.
The October fixture will provide both squads with an opportunity to test their preparations ahead of their respective future international engagements