The senior national teams of Nigeria and Russia will meet for the first time in history on Friday, June 6, in a highly anticipated international friendly at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
The match, kicking off at 8 PM Nigerian time, marks a significant milestone for both nations and comes amid recent good form for the two sides.
Following their suspension from UEFA competitions in 2023, Russia has focused on friendlies to stay active on the international stage, especially against African and Asian teams. The move has paid off, with back-to-back 5–0 wins over Zambia and Grenada.
Key players Anton Miranchuk and Tamerlan Musaev have impressed under head coach Valeri Karpin, who is using these games to rebuild and assess his squad.
Nigeria enters the fixture in strong spirits after a 2–1 win over rivals Ghana and a Unity Cup triumph over Jamaica, which ended 5–4 on penalties after a 2–2 draw.
While star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are unavailable, the Super Eagles remain a threat. Coach Karpin has acknowledged the strength and depth of the Nigerian side.
Fans can watch the match live on Match TV, Afrosport, and NFF TV.
The Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, provides the perfect stage for what promises to be a competitive and historic encounter.
