Nigeria will play Russia in an international friendly on 6 June at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, the Russian Football Federation has confirmed.
The fixture, announced on Friday, marks a significant clash between two national teams with ambitions to sharpen their squads ahead of upcoming competitive engagements.
It will provide both sides with a valuable opportunity to test their depth and tactical setups in a high-pressure environment.
The Super Eagles’ encounter with Russia comes just before their participation in the Unity Cup — a mini-tournament featuring Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
That event is scheduled to take place at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, England.
While the Nigeria Football Federation is yet to issue a formal statement on the Russia fixture, the Russian Football Federation’s announcement has already set preparations in motion for what promises to be a closely watched contest.
Luzhniki Stadium, the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, will serve as the backdrop for the match, adding prestige to the occasion.
The meeting with Russia will likely provide Nigerian head coach Finidi George a critical opportunity to assess fringe players and experiment with tactics ahead of Nigeria’s key qualifiers later in the year.
Likewise, Russia will aim to continue rebuilding their squad as they remain isolated from most European competitions due to ongoing political tensions.
Nigeria’s schedule in early June is shaping up to be an intense period, with the Unity Cup offering the team additional competitive minutes.
Facing fellow African powerhouse Ghana, along with the Caribbean duo of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the Brentford-hosted event is expected to provide valuable exposure for younger players.
The Super Eagles, we’re waiting for you 🇷🇺🤝🇳🇬
Встречаемя на стадионе «Лужники» 6 июня. pic.twitter.com/sgnoDnTdeJ
— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) April 25, 2025
The match in Moscow, however, will draw the most attention, as it marks a rare meeting between the two sides.
It also signals a growing appetite within the Nigerian camp to test themselves against diverse international opponents.
With kickoff just over a month away, anticipation is building among Nigerian football fans eager to see how the Super Eagles will perform on Russian soil.
All eyes will be on Luzhniki Stadium on 6 June, as Nigeria takes a bold step into a challenging international window.
