Friendly game: Nigeria, Russia to play in Moscow on May 31

By Olaolu Joseph

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face the Russian national team in an international friendly match in Moscow on May 31, 2025.

The fixture was confirmed after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Russian Football Union (RFU) finalized agreements for the game.

This will mark the first-ever meeting between both nations in an international football match.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will take advantage of the FIFA window in June to allow head coach Éric Chelle to refine his tactics. The team is set to play three friendly matches ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, when they will host Rwanda in Uyo and face Group C leaders, South Africa.

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback following their 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo last Tuesday.

With seven points from six games, the 2013 African champions sit fourth in the standings, while South Africa leads the group with 13 points. Rwanda and Benin Republic are second and third, each with eight points.

The Super Eagles must secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures while hoping for favorable results from other group matches.