The Super Eagles of Nigeria will on Friday lock horns against the national football team of Russia in an international friendly.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this will be the first-ever senior international meeting between Russia and Nigeria.
Although Russia had been banned from FIFA and UEFA tournaments, they continue to schedule international friendlies.
Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Igho Ogbu, Isaac Saviour, Frank Onyeka, Ismaila Sadio, Amas Obasoge, and William Ekong are available for selection by coach Eric Chelle.
Other players available are Raphael Onyedika, Bem Jamin Frederick, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Victor Boniface and Olusegun Olakunle.
The match kicks off at 6 pm Nigerian time on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, famously the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
Fans can catch the action live on Match TV, Afrosport, NFF TV and M4S TV.
Olakunle relishes first Super Eagles call-up
Meanwhile, new Super Eagles invitee, Olusegun Olakunle, is in high spirits after receiving his maiden call-up to the national squad for Friday’s international friendly against Russia.
Coach Chelle invited Olakunle, who plays in the Russian league for Krasnodar FC, to assess defensive options.
Chelle is expected to hand Olakunle his first senior cap during the match against the Russian national team on Friday.
The 23-year-old right-back, who has scored twice for Krasnodar this season, said the invitation to join the national team came as a surprise.
“Playing for the national team is every player’s dream. I’m happy to be invited and grateful for the opportunity. It’s a privilege and an honour. It’s not by my strength or skills alone,” he said.
He admitted he initially felt it was too soon for a national team appearance but later changed his mind after speaking with others.
“Some people told me it wasn’t too early. They encouraged me to focus on my job and let everything else follow,” said Olakunle.
The player also reflected on his journey, describing his rise from the U-17 team as a rewarding experience.
“I first got invited to the U-17 camp in 2019. I thought it was a joke, but I went and met thousands of other players,” he said.
He said the trials were tough and competitive, but he stood out and earned a place in the team that played the African Cup of Nations.
The team qualified for the U-17 World Cup in Brazil later that year but were eliminated in the Round of 16.
“Everyone dreams of playing at the top level. I first played in Denmark, which gave me exposure to elite football. Now, making my senior national debut is a huge step. It’s a great opportunity for me,” he said.