Russia’s men’s national football team is set to play a friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on 6th June, according to an announcement from the Russian Football Union (RFU).
The RFU confirmed the match on its official website on Thursday, 13th February, stating that it will be held in Russia. The specific venue and kick-off time are yet to be finalised.
This friendly is one of three scheduled by Russia. They will also face Zambia in March and Belarus on 10th June.
The RFU confirmed that agreements have been reached with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), as well as the Zambian and Belarusian football associations, to organise these fixtures.
While Russia remains banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a decision implemented in 2022 that affects all Russian national teams and clubs, their senior side has continued to participate in friendly matches, primarily against nations outside of Western Europe.
In 2023, FIFA relaxed its stance slightly, permitting Russian under-17 teams to compete internationally under a neutral banner – the “Football Union of Russia” – without the Russian flag, anthem, or official kit.
The NFF has yet to release an official statement regarding the proposed Nigeria-Russia match. If it proceeds, this will be the first encounter between the two nations at senior international level.
