Renowned Russian coach Valery Nepomnyashchy has warned that Russia could face a difficult challenge when they take on the Super Eagles in an international friendly on Tuesday, October 6.

 The encounter, scheduled for the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, will be the second meeting between the two nations in 16 months. Russia, hosts of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, previously faced Nigeria in a friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw.

 As part of their schedule for the September/October FIFA international window, Valeriy Karpin’s side are set to face Iran, Namibia and Nigeria.

 Russia began the series of fixtures with a 2-0 victory over Iran, with Monaco midfielder Aleksandr Golovin scoring twice in the first half.

 However, Nepomnyashchy expects the meeting with Nigeria to provide a tougher test for the Russians than their encounter with Iran.

 “I can’t say anything about Namibia because they’re a dark horse for me. And against Nigeria, it’ll be pretty much the same as yesterday,” Nepomnyashchy told Euro Football.

 “It won’t be easy for us. I think we’ll have some major changes in our lineup. It might be even tougher for the Russian team than against Iran.”

 Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the fixture, although several key players will miss the encounter.

 Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are among the notable absentees from the Super Eagles squad.

 Nigeria and Russia last met at the Luzhniki Stadium, where the teams played out a 1-1 draw. Tolu Arokodare scored for Nigeria after Semi Ajayi had earlier put the ball into his own net.