Nigeria to Face Suspended Russia in International Friendly

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, will play Russia in an international friendly on October 6, 2026.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the match on its social media platforms, while the Russian Football Union also announced the game. The match will take place in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

The friendly is part of Russia’s preparations during a football training camp. However, the match will not be officially recognised by FIFA or UEFA because Russia remains suspended from international competitions.

Russia was banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions in February 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. The suspension remains in place as the conflict continues.

Nigeria will play Russia after its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Nigeria and Russia have met only once before. Their previous friendly, played in June 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw.