Russia have sent a warning to Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly after thrashing Namibia 6-0 on Saturday.
The Russians ran riot at the Ekaterinburg Arena, scoring five second-half goals to dismantle the Brave Warriors in their encounter game before facing the Super Eagles.
Lechi Sadulaev opened scoring in the 37th minute, before Danil Prutsev (54′), Konstantin Tyukavin (65′), Maksim Glushenkov (84′), Maksim Petrov (pen 87′) and an own-goal by Namibian keeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro (90+2′) completed the rout. Russia had 24 shots, 14 on target — Namibia had zero on target.
It is a statement result for Russia who have only been playing friendlies since their FIFA ban in 2022.
The Russians have now won their last four games, scoring 14 goals without defeat. The last time they lost a game and they went down 1-0 to Egypt on May 28, 2026.
The Super Eagles face Russia on Tuesday, October 6, at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium — a 2018 World Cup venue.
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It will be the second meeting in 16 months after a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025, when Semi Ajayi’s own goal was cancelled by Tolu Arokodare.
Eric Chelle is coming with an experimental 24-man squad. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze are all absent.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Akpe Victory have also withdrawn, with John Otomewo (Reims) and Vince Osuji (Tromso) called up as replacements.
Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams are expected to lead the attack for a largely youthful side that includes two Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players.
Nigeria heads into the game after a mixed AFCON 2027 qualifying window — beating Madagascar 2-1 before losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau.
By James Agberebi
