As the Super Eagles gear up for their international friendly against Russia on June 6 in Moscow, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has highlighted the key benefits of the high-stakes encounter.
Gusau emphasized that the fixture is a critical component of the team’s development under new head coach, Eric Chelle.
“This match is a crucial step in the team’s evolution,” Gusau said. “It’s not just about the result. It’s about learning, development, and team cohesion. These are the kinds of games we need to grow.”
He stressed that the match offers Coach Chelle an opportunity to experiment with tactics and assess player performance against top-tier opposition.
“Russia is a disciplined and physically dominant team. This kind of test will help our coaching crew evaluate tactical systems and make important adjustments going forward,” he noted.
Gusau added that the friendly will serve as a platform to evaluate both emerging and returning players, especially with the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching.
“We are building for the future. The coaches will be watching closely to see who is ready to step up,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the fixture due to geopolitical tensions, Gusau assured Nigerians that the game is fully sanctioned by FIFA.
“This match is FIFA-approved. Every process, including visa issuance and formal clearances, has followed global football protocols. There are no fears on that front,” he affirmed.
Highlighting Russia’s form, Gusau pointed to their recent scoring run as a valuable test for the Super Eagles. Russia has netted over 31 goals in their last six matches, including 5-0 wins over Belarus, Grenada, and Zambia.
“This kind of opposition will truly test our mettle,” he said.
Gusau concluded by reiterating the NFF’s commitment to securing quality international friendlies in every FIFA window.
“We will make sure that every FIFA window is used to build a stronger, more competitive Super Eagles team. Russia is just the beginning,” he stated.
The Moscow clash marks a new chapter for the Super Eagles under Chelle, with the focus firmly on long-term success.
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