Russia’s head coach, Valery Karpin, has thrown the first real punch ahead of Friday’s friendly encounter with Nigeria, Footynaija.com reports.

With his squad set to test themselves against the Super Eagles, the former Spartak Moscow manager has claimed his side hold the physical and mental edge heading into the tie. And he has his reasons.

Speaking via the Russian Football Union (RFU) media team, Karpin pointed straight to fitness as the defining factor.

While Nigeria’s Europe-based stars are running on empty after nearly a full year of non-stop football, he says his players have had the luxury of breathing space.

“Our players are at an advantage,” Karpin declared.

“They had a winter break in December. Most of Nigeria’s squad probably haven’t rested in 10 months.”

In a match where legs will matter as much as tactics, Karpin is backing Russia to run harder and recover faster. And the timing, in his eyes, couldn’t be better.

“Nigeria are still one of the strongest sides we’ll face,” he admitted.

“Even without some of their big names, they’re right up there with teams like Serbia and Cameroon in terms of power and pace. But we’re ready.”

Nigeria, meanwhile, are coming into this one with momentum, as they are fresh off winning the Unity Cup in London, after beating Ghana and Jamaica.

“I want to see aggressive pressing against Nigeria. They’re direct, explosive, and quick on the break. We need to meet that with intensity.”

Karpin also touched on the mood in camp. His players are arriving from different emotional places. But he’s convinced the switch to international duty is just the reset they need.

“That’s the beauty of this level. You lose a cup final on Sunday, and by Monday you’re in a new dressing room with a new challenge. The atmosphere here lifts players. It clears the head.”

On the other side, Chelle will use this fixture as another step in shaping his Super Eagles vision.

The match kicks off on Friday, 6 June, and it promises to deliver more than just pre-season sparring.