Nigeria are set for his or her largest take a look at below new head coach Eric Chelle as they tackle in type Russia in a world pleasant this Friday.
The match can be performed on the well-known Luzhniki Stadium, Russia’s largest soccer floor, and it guarantees to be an actual problem for the Tremendous Eagles.
Russia have been in high form all yr. Since January 2024, they’ve performed seven video games, gained all seven, scored 36 objectives, and haven’t conceded any. Their wins embody:
* 11-0 vs Brunei
* 5-0 vs Grenada
* 5-0 vs Zambia
* 3-0 wins in opposition to Serbia and Belarus
They’ve been dominant and are stuffed with confidence heading into the conflict with Nigeria.
Eric Chelle has made a optimistic begin as Nigeria’s coach. Since taking up in January, he has guided the staff to:
* A 2-0 win over Rwanda
* A 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe
* Victory on the Unity Cup, beating Ghana and Jamaica
Even with a couple of defensive points, Nigeria now look extra harmful in assault and stronger mentally.
Sadly for Chelle, many high gamers will miss the match:
* Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are each unavailable
* Others lacking embody: Iheanacho, Ndidi, Chukwueze, Aina, Dessers, and Tella
This implies a a lot modified staff will take the sector. The Tremendous Eagles’ assault will seemingly be led by Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Tolu Arokodare. Olakunle Olusegun, who performs membership soccer in Russia, has additionally been known as up and will function.
In objective, with Stanley Nwabali unavailable, Maduka Okoye is predicted to start out.
Russia have named a full power aspect. Key names embody:
* Matvey Safonov (PSG goalkeeper)
* Maksim Glushenkov (hat trick vs Zambia)
* Alexey Batrakov (younger ahead to look at)
Although banned from FIFA competitions, Russia have stayed energetic via friendlies and are treating this match critically.
This would be the first senior degree match between Russia and Nigeria. Russia just lately beat Zambia and Cameroon, whereas Nigeria’s final win over European opposition was on the 2018 World Cup, in opposition to Iceland.
Predicted lineups
Russia (4 3 3):
Safonov; Krugovoy, Diveev, Osipenko, Vakhania; Chernikov, Miranchuk, Komarov; Mostovooy, Komlichenko, Glushenkov.
Nigeria (4 4 2):
Okoye; Osayi Samuel, Ajayi, Troost Ekong, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Simon, Dele Bashiru; Uche, Boniface.
Prediction: Russia 2-2 Nigeria
MATCH DETAILS
* Match: Russia vs Nigeria
* Competitors: Worldwide Pleasant
* Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
* Date: Friday, 6 June 2025
* Kickoff: 6:00 PM Nigeria time
