Super Eagles: 5 Nigeria players who can hurt Russia 

The Super Eagles will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The game marks their final outing before November, when they return to action in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament qualifiers against Tanzania.

Nigeria began that campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar, but suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second game, putting a major dent on their chances of reaching next year’s tournament.

The Super Eagles last failed to reach the AFCON in 2017, but have suffered recent disappointments, missing out on two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments and they will be very keen on avoiding another major tournament absence.

They now head into their clash against Russia, aiming to record a win. Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their previous meeting in 2025, but with most senior players unavailable for this encounter, Eric Chelle must select the right team capable of sealing a favourable outcome from the clash.

Five Super Eagles players who could make a difference against Russia

1. Kelechi Iheanacho

Iheanacho will be one of the players to watch when Nigeria take on Russia. The 30-year-old, who has explained his decision to join Bursaspor in Turkey in the summer, has plenty of quality around the box and knows how to make the most of his chances.

He last played for the national team in 2025 and his brilliant club form, which saw him score 11 goals in eight appearances, earned him a return to the national team.

With Victor Osimhen absent and Akor Adams misfiring at the moment, Iheanacho could get a chance to lead the line and if he continues his fine club form, then he could be anded a bigger role in months to come for the Super Eagles.

2. Abdullahi Bewene

One player who will be looking to impress Chelle against Russia is Bewene. The young defender made his debut for the Super Eagles earlier in the year and will now be hoping for another impressive display.

Bewene faces a tough route to earning a more regular place in the team, considering the amount of quality at Chelle’s disposal. Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu are also other options the Nigerian coach could count on.

The versatile right-back therefore needs to perform brilliantly against Russia to earn him a chance of getting more invitation to the national team.

3. Chibuike Nwaiwu

Nwaiwu is another player who could play a major role against Russia, especially in the absence of several of the squad’s regular defenders.

The Trabzonspor defender has shown his physicality and could be useful when Nigeria have to deal with Russia’s attacking players and could make life difficult for the Russian forwards.

The game could also give Nwaiwu another chance to show that he can compete at international level and his potential partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez could be one to watch out for.

4. Akor Adams

Adams will be under pressure to produce a strong performance after Nigeria’s disappointing result against Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Venezia forward has the physical qualities to trouble defenders and can give Nigeria an option to play directly when needed.

He will need to be more effective in the final third, especially if he gets another opportunity to lead the attack and a good performance against Russia could give Adams the confidence he needs.

5. Emmanuel Fernandez

Fernandez could be one of the more interesting players to watch if he gets the opportunity against Russia.

The Rangers defender has impressed with his performances at club level and has shown that he can handle physical challenges.

His ability to read the game well and his strength in one-on-one situation could prove very important for the Super Eagles. 

With competition for places in the Super Eagles defence, Fernandez has plenty of motivation to make his mark in this clash.