The Super Eagles and team officials have arrived in Russia ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against the hosts at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October.
The Nigerian delegation departed Abuja on Thursday and arrived at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport, also known as Strigino International Airport, on Friday, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The travelling party comprised mainly members of the backroom staff and players invited from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), while several foreign-based players are expected to join the team directly from their clubs.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who did not return to Nigeria with the team from Guinea-Bissau, is expected to link up with the delegation in Russia.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among the players who have withdrawn from the friendly. His absence leaves Moses Simon as the most experienced member of the travelling group and one of the players expected to provide leadership for a largely new-look side.
Home-based players Chibuzor Atata, Aderemi Adeoye and Kenneth Igboke were also part of the travelling squad as Chelle continues to assess his options.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is included alongside defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams are also part of the group.
Experienced forward Kelechi Iheanacho has also been included after making a strong start to his spell with Turkish club Bursaspor. The NFF had earlier confirmed a 24-man squad for the Russia friendly, with several players receiving their first senior invitation.
Several players are in line to gain senior international experience, including Suleiman Mubarak, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Chibuzo Nwoko.
Ndidi and Akpe Victory were replaced by Vince Osuji and John Otomewo in the travelling arrangements.
The fixture is expected to provide Chelle with an opportunity to assess several players and build squad depth ahead of future international assignments.
Nigeria and Russia previously met in an international friendly in Moscow on 6 June 2025, with both sides playing out a 1-1 draw. Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria in the second half.
Tuesday’s encounter will be the second meeting between the two countries and will take place at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The match is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time, with kick-off at 8pm Moscow time.
The friendly comes after Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
