The Russian Football Union has announced that Russia will host Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly match on June 6 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. Nigeria, currently ranked 43rd in the FIFA world rankings, enters the match with increasing international recognition, having been the runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where they lost 2–1 to Ivory Coast in the final. The Super Eagles boast a strong contingent of players from top European leagues, including those in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.

This event marks the Russian national team’s return to their main football arena for the first time since a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Croatia, which ended in a goalless draw. Two current Super Eagles players, Chidera Ejuke and Ahmed Musa, previously played for Russian team CSKA Moscow.

Before their trip to the Russian capital, the Super Eagles will compete in the Unity Cup, an Afro-Caribbean international football tournament which was last held in 2004. This competition, involving the national teams of Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago, is scheduled for next month at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The Super Eagles are set to face the Black Stars in the second semifinal on May 28.