Nigeria’s Super Eagles, fresh from their success at the Unity Cup in Brentford over the weekend, will next lock horns with Russia on Friday.
Can Eric Chelle’s men cap off a fruitful international window with yet another victory?
Where to watch Russia vs Nigeria live
Russia vs Nigeria is set for a 18:00 kick-off (WAT) on June 6, 2025.
Live broadcast of the match will be via the official NFF TV channel, as well as Afrosport. Super Eagles fans, you have been informed.
Russia vs Nigeria predicted lineups
Nigeria
Eric Chelle has spoken glowingly of his team’s improvement, but comes into this fixture with a heavily depleted squad.
A number of regulars excused themselves for various reasons, ranging from fitness to personal concerns. As such, the roster available to him for this encounter is arguably weaker than that which prosecuted the Unity Cup.
This will likely be a showcase for Belgian Ebony Shoe and Golden Boot winner Tolu Arokodare to shine, and Chelle will finally get a good look at Lazio man Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, William Ekong, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards: Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon
Russia
It is no secret that, on account of the war in Ukraine, Russia have been banned from competing against European nations since 2021.
However, they have made hay mainly by playing sides from other confederations in friendlies, and are coming off the back of consecutive 5-0 wins over Grenada and Zambia in March.
Coach Valery Karpin has a number of his more high-profile players to choose from this time around, and so will likely put out a strong lineup.
Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov
Defenders: Ilya Vakhaniya, Maxim Osipenko, Alexander Silyanov, Yuri Gorshkov
Midfielders: Alexey Batrakov, Anton Miranchuk, Danil Prutsev
Forwards: Maksim Glushenkov, Andrey Mostovoy, Nikolay Komlichenko
Quick stats
- Friday’s encounter will mark the first meeting between the two nations at senior international level
- The last opponent to avoid defeat against Russia was Kenya, with whom they drew 2-2 in October 2023
- Russia have won their last eight matches by a combined score of 44-0.
Russia vs Nigeria: Analysis
On account of the state of the respective squads, Russia have to be favourites going in.
The eastern European giants are, however, at a disadvantage due to the calibre of opposition faced. Beating up on Brunei, Grenada and Cuba is one thing, but a meeting with three-time African champions Nigeria, albeit a depleted version, is an entirely different prospect.
The Super Eagles will be keen to wrap up the international window on a high, and still boast significant speed and firepower. They are also, under Eric Chelle, tenacious and energetic without the ball. Russia may well find the intensity too much to bear.
Russia vs Nigeria head-to-head
These nations have no head-to-head record to speak of, as this will be their maiden engagement.
Russia vs Nigeria prediction
All things considered, there should be goals in this one. The Super Eagles have scored in all of Eric Chelle’s matches in charge—twice in three of the four, in fact. Russia have also gained confidence from their recent high-scoring thrashings. Both teams on the scoresheet, likely ending in a draw, seems a likely outcome.
