Former Russia international Stanislav Cherchesov has described the Super Eagles as a quality side ahead of Russia’s international friendly against Nigeria on October 6.
The two nations will meet at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, one of the venues used during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, in their second-ever encounter.
Cherchesov, who now coaches Russian Premier League side FC Akhmat Grozny, acknowledged the experience within Nigeria’s squad while admitting uncertainty over the team head coach Eric Chelle will select for the friendly.
“All teams, including ours, test something in friendly matches,” Cherchesov was quoted by Championat as saying.
“The Iranian and Nigerian teams are of a good standard and have a lot of experience, although I don’t know what lineup they’ll be playing, so it will be a good test for the Russian team.”
Nigeria could be without several key players for the trip, with Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen among the regulars expected to miss the encounter.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to travel to Russia after their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29.
Nigeria began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo, with the team now looking to build momentum ahead of the international friendly.
The previous meeting between Nigeria and Russia ended in a 1-1 draw at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in June 2025.
Russia took the lead through an own goal by Semi Ajayi before Tolu Arokodare restored parity for the Super Eagles in the second half.
The October encounter will therefore provide both teams with another opportunity to assess their squads and test players ahead of future international assignments.
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