The Russian Football Union (RFU) has announced plans for an international friendly with Nigeria’s Super Eagles on June 6, despite Russia’s ongoing suspension from FIFA and UEFA competitions.
According to a statement on the RFU’s official website, agreements have been reached with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and two other football bodies to organize the match. While the match is set to take place in Russia, the specific venue and kickoff time are yet to be confirmed.
Russia has been banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022 due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the Russian national team has continued to arrange friendly matches with non-Western countries to maintain competitive activity.
If the friendly goes ahead, it will be the first senior-level international fixture between Nigeria and Russia. The NFF is yet to release an official statement regarding the match.
The Super Eagles are currently focused on their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. They will take on Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
The planned friendly offers an opportunity for the Super Eagles to test their squad ahead of key competitive fixtures. The match is expected to feature a blend of Nigeria’s top talents and emerging players as they prepare for upcoming challenges on the road to the World Cup.
