‘Eagles will provide good test for Russia’

Retired Russia international Stanislav Cherchesov has described the Super Eagles as a quality opponent ahead of Russia’s international friendly against Nigeria on October 6, saying the encounter will provide a good test for the hosts, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Nigeria will face Russia at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the fixture coming 16 months after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in Moscow.

Cherchesov, who now coaches Russian Premier League side FC Akhmat Grozny, acknowledged the experience within the Nigerian squad despite uncertainty over the team Eric Chelle will field for the friendly.

“All teams, including ours, test something in friendly matches,” Cherchesov was quoted as saying by Championat. “The Iranian and Nigerian teams are of a good standard and have a lot of experience, although I don’t know what lineup they’ll be playing, so it will be a good test for the Russian team.”

Chelle is expected to be without several regulars for the encounter, with Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen among those set to miss the Russia trip.

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The Super Eagles will arrive in Russia after their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

Nigeria and Russia last met at the Luzhniki Stadium in June 2025, when Russia took the lead through Ajayi’s own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for the Eagles in the second half. The latest meeting will be the second between both countries.

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