After their triumph as champions of the 2025 Unity Cup in London, the Nigeria Super Eagles will shift focus to an international friendly against Russia, scheduled for June 6, 2025, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Footy-Africa takes a look into the first ever clash between the two nations.
Russia vs Nigeria – Preview
Following their Unity Cup victory, the Super Eagles are set to face Russia in a high-profile friendly, aimed at building cohesion ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Russia, unbeaten in their last five international friendly matches, will aim to maintain their strong form when they host the Super Eagles.
Russia vs Nigeria: Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two national teams.
Russia vs Nigeria Team News
The Super Eagles, led by Coach Eric Chelle, have suffered a few setbacks ahead of the fixture, with several players withdrawing from the squad. Samuel Chukwueze, Nathan Tella, Wilfred Ndidi, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, and Kelechi Iheanacho have all left camp for various reasons.
However, captain William Troost-Ekong and Bright Osayi-Samuel have joined up with the squad in Moscow, along with newcomer Olakunle Olusegun.
Meanwhile, the Russian camp is in high spirits, with all 31 players called up already in camp. As of the time of reporting, they have completed two full training sessions together.
Player to Watch: Christsantus Uche (Nigeria)
The Getafe forward, who scored the decisive penalty in the Unity Cup final, is one to watch against Russia. Coming on as a substitute against Jamaica, Christsantus Uche added much-needed quality and composure to the midfield, tightening the Eagles’ central play.
Player to Watch: Matvey Safonov (Russia)
Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has recently concluded a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), securing a title treble: UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France. In Ligue 1, Safonov maintained a commendable record, conceding just 9 goals in 10 matches and achieving 3 clean sheets, reflecting a goals-against average of 0.92 per 90 minutes.
Best Betting Odds
- Nigeria (Double Chance – 1X): 1.69 odds on 1xBet
- Over 2.5 Goals: 1.93 odds on 1xBet
- Both Teams to Score (G/G): 1.78 odds on 1xBet
- Nigeria to Score Over 0.5 Goals: 1.43 odds on 1xBet
