Nigeria step up Russia friendly preparations with first Nizhny Novgorod training

The Super Eagles have begun preparations in Nizhny Novgorod for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia, holding their first training session in the city on Saturday night.

The Nigeria delegation arrived in Moscow on Friday before travelling on for the meeting with Russia.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Akpe Victory will miss the fixture after withdrawing for various reasons. Head coach Eric Chelle has responded by calling up John Otomewo and Vince Osuji as replacements for Ndidi and Victory.

The squad will complete its final training session on Monday, the day before the match.

Tuesday’s game will be played at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 Nigerian time.

It will be only the second senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.