The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the proposed international friendly against Russia, slated for June international break, will go ahead as scheduled.

A top NFF official, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the controversial friendly will be played at the magnificent Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, contrary to rumours making the rounds that the match may have been called off.

“The friendly is expected to go ahead as planned, barring any last-minute hitch. This is the first time Nigeria will be engaging its Russian counterpart in the senior category, and the FA believes such a friendly will help the players get into shape for our upcoming World Cup qualifiers,” he said.

FIFA has not responded to inquiries by The Guardian to clarify claims that Nigeria could be penalised for engaging Russia in an international friendly due to its ongoing war and invasion of Ukraine as of the time of this report.

The Guardian gathered that Super Eagles gaffer, Eric Chelle, has been urged to present Nigeria’s strongest squad for the match, which is expected to serve as a preparatory game for the make-or-break 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg and Rwanda at home.

Nigeria is banking on FIFA to abide by its rules and deduct three points from South Africa after it fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria currently occupies fourth position on the log with seven points from six matches.
The next international break will offer the Super Eagles another opportunity to play in a four-nation invitational tournament in England, which features perennial rivals Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.