The Super Eagles of Nigeria will renew their rivalry with Russia when both countries meet in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the fixture on Tuesday through its official X account, describing it as the second encounter between the two national teams within 16 months.
The federation also disclosed that the match had been officially arranged through Nigeria’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodatasports.
Nigeria and Russia last faced each other in a friendly in Moscow in June 2025, with both teams settling for a 1-1 draw.
Russia went ahead in the 27th minute after Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi turned the ball into his own net. Nigeria eventually restored parity through Tolu Arokodare, who scored in the 71st minute.
The Russians controlled much of the game, finishing with 58 per cent possession compared with Nigeria’s 42 per cent. They also registered more attempts on goal, recording 10 shots to the Super Eagles’ six.
The October meeting will therefore provide another opportunity for both sides to assess their players and make tactical adjustments ahead of their respective international commitments.
Russia has not been permitted to participate in official FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022 following its suspension from international football. The country has consequently relied heavily on friendly matches to maintain activity at international level.
In recent years, Russia has arranged a number of friendlies with national teams from Africa and other regions as it continues to compete outside the main FIFA and UEFA competition structure.
For Nigeria, the fixture offers another chance to measure the squad against a European opponent, while Russia will also be looking to use the encounter to evaluate its team ahead of future engagements.
The meeting in Nizhny Novgorod will be the second time the Super Eagles and Russia have faced each other in just over a year, following their 2025 draw in Moscow.