Eric Chelle takes his steadily improving Nigeria side into their biggest test yet under his leadership — a daunting international friendly against an in-form Russia team in the heart of Moscow.
The match is set for Friday, June 6, at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium — Russia’s largest football ground and the ninth-biggest stadium in Europe.
A ruthless Russian machine
Make no mistake — Russia are a side in red-hot form. Since the start of 2024, they have played seven games, won all seven, scored 36 goals, and conceded none. Yes, you read that right.
They handed out identical 5-0 drubbings to Grenada and Zambia, scored at least three goals against Serbia, Belarus, Syria, and Vietnam, and demolished Brunei 11-0 in one of their most one-sided victories in recent history.
So when Nigeria take the pitch in Moscow, they will be walking straight into the den of a ruthless, roaring beast. It will take more than just grit and determination to escape unscathed.
Chelle’s quiet confidence
Despite the odds, Chelle — appointed in January — has reasons to be optimistic. His team is unbeaten in four matches, registering three wins and one draw.
He began his tenure with a solid 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali during a World Cup qualifier. That was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, a result that dented Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
However, the Franco-Malian tactician steadied the ship by guiding the Super Eagles to Unity Cup glory last weekend. Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 in the semi-finals and edged out Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the final.
Beyond the results, Chelle’s side has shown signs of progress. The Eagles look sharper in attack, more purposeful in possession, and mentally stronger — though defensive lapses remain a concern.
So, on Friday, it’s Russia’s clinical efficiency versus Nigeria’s evolving ambition. Who will blink first?
Head-to-head
This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between Russia and Nigeria.
While Russia are new foes for the Super Eagles, they have recently faced several African sides.
The Russians smashed Zambia 5-0 in March, drew2-2 with Kenya, and edged Cameroon 1-0 in late 2023 before FIFA suspended them from international competitions due to the Ukraine conflict.
Nigeria, on the other hand, have endured mixed fortunes against European opposition in recent years. They lost 4-0 to Portugal in 2022 under José Peseiro and drew 2-2 with Ukraine in 2019 with Gernot Rohr at the helm.
Their last major win over a European side came at the 2018 World Cup — in Russia — when Ahmed Musa’s brace secured a 2-0 victory over Iceland.
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Team News
Russia
Despite being banned from FIFA and UEFA tournaments, Russia continue to schedule friendlies and have named a strong squad.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, valued at €20m, is the standout name. Although he was an unused substitute in PSG’s 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan, he remains their most high-profile player. Andrey Lunev (Dynamo Moscow), Anton Mitryushkin (Lokomotiv), and Stanislav Agkatsev (Krasnodar) complete the goalkeeper list.
In attack, Russia have firepower in the form of Maksim Glushenkov — who netted a hat-trick against Zambia — and rising star Alexey Batrakov.
Nigeria
June is always a tricky period for assembling top-tier Nigerian players, and Chelle has been forced to deal with several high-profile absences.
Star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are unavailable. So too are Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Cyriel Dessers, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and Nathan Tella.
Chukwueze and Iheanacho have excused themselves for family reasons, while Umar is out injured. Tella is currently renewing his UK passport, ruling him out.
This has left Chelle with a much-changed attack, led by Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Tolu Arokodare. Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun, formerly of Nigeria’s U-20s, has earned a call-up and could feature on familiar turf.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali has returned to Nigeria for his parents’ final burial rites, leaving the gloves to Italy-based Maduka Okoye or Amas Obasogie.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, which also includes Unity Cup standouts Christantus Uche, Frank Onyeka, and Semi Ajayi.
Match Details
- Competition: International Friendly
- Fixture: Russia vs Nigeria
- Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
- Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
- Kick-off: 6:00 PM Nigeria time
Coaches’ Profile
Russia: Valery Karpin
- Age: 56
- Appointed: July 26, 2021
- Contract expires: June 30, 2028
- Success rate: 1.56 points per match
Nigeria: Eric Chelle
- Age: 47
- Appointed: January 12, 2025
- Contract expires: January 1, 2027
- Success rate: 1.64 points per match
Predicted lineups
Russia (4-3-3):
Safonov; Krugovoy, Diveev, Osipenko, Vakhania; Chernikov, Miranchuk, Komarov; Mostovooy, Komlichenko, Glushenkov.
Nigeria (4-4-2):
Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Simon, Dele-Bashiru; Uche, Boniface.
Prediction: Russia 3-2 Nigeria
Russia face their first true test in over two years, while Nigeria are missing several stars but still possess the pace and physicality to cause problems. Expect a fast-paced contest full of attacking intent, defensive gaps, and plenty of goals.
For Russia, it’s about proving their unbeaten run isn’t a fluke. For Nigeria, it’s a chance to remind themselves — and the world — that they still belong among international football’s fiercest fighters.