Nigeria's senior men's national team have arrived in Russia ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the hosts, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to use the encounter to assess a number of players ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming assignments.

The Nigerian delegation departed Abuja on Thursday and arrived at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport, also known as Strigino International Airport, on Friday, ahead of the clash at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

The travelling party was largely made up of members of the technical and backroom staff, as well as players drawn from the Nigeria Premier Football League, while several foreign based invitees are expected to link up with the squad directly from their respective clubs.

Chelle, who did not return with the team from Guinea-Bissau, is expected to join the delegation in Russia as preparations gather momentum for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for November. Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among those who have withdrawn from the friendly.

The meeting will be Nigeria’s second encounter with Russia in just over a year. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in June 2025, with Tolu Arokodare scoring Nigeria’s equaliser. Tuesday’s rematch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 

Nigerian time at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, as Chelle continues his assessment of players ahead of the November qualifiers.