‘No cause for alarm’ – NFF allays fears on Nigeria vs Russia friendly
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has defended its decision to go ahead with an international friendly between the Super Eagles and Russia’s national team, scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025, in Moscow. The federation dismissed concerns about security and political implications, stating that the fixture is purely a footballing engagement aimed at preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
According to the NFF, the match is sanctioned by FIFA, which affirms its legitimacy and safety. Thorough safety assessments were carried out in collaboration with the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, and findings confirmed that Moscow poses no security threat to players, officials, or fans.
The NFF referenced Zambia’s recent friendly with Russia on March 25, 2025, which was held without incident, to support its position. This, the federation noted, shows that Nigeria is not alone in maintaining footballing ties with Russia, even after the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
Addressing claims that the match could be seen as a political move, the NFF emphasized that it is strictly a technical decision. “This is not a diplomatic or ideological alignment,” said an NFF official. “It is a football match designed to help the Super Eagles grow competitively.”
The federation also clarified that the visa processing and other logistics were handled in partnership with the Russian Embassy, adding that friendly matches are chosen based on sporting value, not geopolitics. Nigeria and Russia already maintain diplomatic relations, the NFF added.
Highlighting Nigeria’s long tradition of using sport to promote unity, the NFF stressed that football has always been a tool for peace and cooperation. “Our engagements globally—on and off the pitch—have always promoted shared humanity,” it said.
Critics, the federation warned, must avoid pushing selective narratives, noting that several other African and non-European countries have maintained sporting contact with Russia in the past year. The NFF urged the media and public to see the match in its proper sporting context.
The friendly, according to the NFF, offers the Super Eagles a strong opponent to test new strategies, assess the squad, and provide younger players with international experience. “Russia is a competitive team, and this fixture gives us valuable footballing benefits as we prepare for the qualifiers,” it said.
