The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their Russia friendly after 17 players took part in their first training session in Nizhny Novgorod.

The session was held on Saturday as head coach Éric Chelle began final preparations for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

Among those involved were experienced winger Moses Simon, who has 101 international caps, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams.

The team is scheduled to have two more training sessions on Sunday and Monday before facing the Russian national team.

The Nigerian delegation travelled to Russia through Istanbul and Addis Ababa, arriving in Moscow before continuing to Nizhny Novgorod.

The friendly comes after Nigeria’s mixed start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

Chelle is using the October international window to further assess his squad and prepare for future competitive fixtures. Several players originally named for the Russia friendly have withdrawn, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, while replacements have been brought into the squad.

The Russia friendly will be the second senior meeting between both countries. Their previous encounter, played at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on June 6, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw. Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria.