Russian expert predicts tough Eagles friendly

Russian football expert Aleksandr Bubnov has admitted that Russia could struggle to beat Nigeria if Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is able to field his strongest squad in their international friendly next month, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Russia will host Nigeria at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6 as part of their autumn international programme, with Bubnov warning that his country would not be favourites if the Super Eagles arrive with their leading players.

The former USSR international was assessing Russia’s upcoming fixtures against Iran, Namibia and Nigeria when he gave his verdict on the encounter with Chelle’s side.

“Against Nigeria… The Nigerians, too, if they come to play with their main lineup… We won’t win,” Bubnov said on Komment.Show’s YouTube channel, according to Championat.

Nigeria, however, could be without some key players for the fixture, with Victor Osimhen and Zaidu Sanusi unlikely to feature after suffering injuries while on club duty.

There are also doubts over Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who are both recovering from injuries.

The October meeting will be the second between Nigeria and Russia in 16 months, following their 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.

Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria in the second half.

The Super Eagles will face the Russians shortly after their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Chelle’s side are scheduled to host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 23 before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Nigeria are currently ranked 26th in the world, while Russia occupy 35th place in the FIFA rankings.

The encounter will be played at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.