The Super Eagles will look to end a mixed international break on a positive note when they take on Russia in Tuesday’s friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time.
Eric Chelle’s side opened the window with a 2-1 win over Madagascar before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, leaving Nigeria eager to regain momentum against the Sbornaya.
Striker Akor Adams has disclosed that Chelle has demanded the team beat Russia, despite the Super Eagles being without several key players, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
“There are a lot of new boys in the squad, but it’s still the Super Eagles,” Adams said in an interview with NFF TV.
“The coach has made it clear – we have to win. Russia are a good team. They’re hungry to play games because of their peculiar situation (FIFA ban). For us, it is to give our best, come out with a good result and a good performance.”
Nigeria’s preparations have been affected by late withdrawals and non-releases. Ndidi withdrew through injury, while Eintracht Frankfurt refused to release Onyedika for the fixture. Maduka Okoye, who was not initially invited after failing to feature against Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau, will also play no part in the friendly.
Kelechi Iheanacho, however, is expected to return to the starting line-up after missing the recent AFCON qualifiers. The Bursaspor forward has enjoyed an impressive spell in Turkey, scoring 11 goals in eight appearances, and could lead an attack also featuring Moses Simon and Adams.
