Russia Set to Face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Friendly Match Despite FIFA Ban

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has announced that Russia’s men’s national team will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly on June 6.

In a statement released on Thursday, February 13, the RFU confirmed that the match will be held in Russia, though the exact time and venue are yet to be finalized.

Russia is also scheduled to play two other friendly matches—against Zambia in March and Belarus on June 10. The RFU stated that agreements had been reached with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the other national football bodies to arrange these fixtures.

Since 2022, Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions following its invasion of Ukraine, preventing its national teams and clubs from participating in official tournaments.

However, in 2023, FIFA relaxed restrictions for Russia’s U-17 teams, allowing them to compete under the neutral “Football Union of Russia” banner without the country’s flag, anthem, or official kit.

Despite the ban, Russia’s senior team has continued to play friendly matches against non-Western nations.

The NFF has yet to make an official statement regarding the fixture. If the match proceeds, it will be the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Russia at the senior international level.