Super Eagles Set for High-Stakes Friendly Against Russia

…As Troost-Ekong and Coach Chelle Speak Ahead of Luzhniki Clash

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Russia’s Sbornaya in a high-profile international friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on Friday evening. In a pre-match press conference held on Thursday, team captain William Troost-Ekong and head coach Eric Chelle shared insights into the squad’s preparation, team dynamics, and their objectives for the game.

Fresh from a morale-boosting triumph at the four-nation Unity Cup in London, Nigeria enters this encounter unbeaten in 2024 and eager to maintain their momentum. The friendly also offers the Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle another opportunity to fine-tune his side as they continue building towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

“We Are Here for Business” – Ekong

Captain William Troost-Ekong emphasized the team’s professional focus in Moscow, making it clear that the trip is strictly football-related.

“We are here for business. It’s not a tourist trip. So as much as we like to enjoy what we see here, we’re very much looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

Troost-Ekong acknowledged Russia’s formidable recent form — the Sbornaya are on an eight-match winning streak and recently hammered Zambia 5-0 — but insisted Nigeria will not be intimidated.

“We have watched a lot of video in the last few days to understand how the team plays, how they prepared against other friendly games. They have an outstanding record here with the amount of goals they’ve scored. Yet we can see the goal. And yeah, we want to make the difference about that tomorrow.”

The Al-Kholood FC defender also pointed to the ongoing evolution within the Nigerian squad.

“We have a lot of new faces in the team and we have to continue to build for our own project which is the African Cup at the end of the year and to qualify for the World Cup. This is another opportunity to work on those progressive playing styles that we have ourselves.”

Ekong hinted at tactical adaptations to counter Russia’s attacking style.

“From Russia in the big lines, we’ve seen a team that plays 4-3-3. They try to press high… they scored a lot of goals and had a lot of possession. So it’s a challenge now to explore some of the things that maybe Russia doesn’t do so well.”

Chelle Addresses Absentees and Tactical Challenge

Head coach Eric Chelle explained the absence of several key players, including reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, and prolific forward Victor Osimhen.

“Osimhen and Lookman are great players with good technique and intelligence but the season is over and they are at a time that they have to decide their future at club level and that is why they are not here with the team.”

The coach also cited administrative and personal reasons for the absence of others.

“Nathan Tella is not here because of passport and visa problems. Samuel Chukwueze needs to solve issues with family and Wilfred Ndidi sustained an injury. These are why these players are not here too.”

Despite the depleted squad, Chelle expressed confidence in his team and the ambition to win.

“I think Russia has a very good team with very good players. They play with lots of intensity and aggression… But as always when you play a football match, the objective is to win and I and my players and backroom staff want to win every game. We know it won’t be easy and it will be a very difficult match because of the quality of the Russian team.”

Historic Venue, Historic Opportunity

The friendly at the 78,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium — venue of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final — marks the first senior-level meeting between Nigeria and Russia. The fixture comes with added historical undertones, as the Luzhniki also hosted Nigeria’s youth team during the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship, where the Flying Eagles defeated the Soviet Union to clinch third place.

Eyes on the Road Ahead

With World Cup qualifiers looming in September, including crucial clashes against Rwanda and South Africa, Friday’s game offers the Super Eagles a vital test. Despite missing key figures, Chelle has retained a core group of players from the Unity Cup-winning squad, with defensive stalwarts like Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Semi Ajayi providing experience.

Promising midfielders like Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are expected to control the tempo, while forwards Simon Moses, Tolu Arokodare, and local hopeful Olakunle Olusegun — based in Russia with Krasnodar FC — will be tasked with delivering goals.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm local time (6pm Nigeria), as the Super Eagles aim to keep their unbeaten run alive and continue shaping a squad capable of making waves in Africa and beyond.

Super Eagles Squad for Russia Friendly:

Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Semi Ajayi (West Brom, England), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars), Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford, England)

Midfielders:
Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards:
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)