FIFA-banned Russia announces a friendly match against the Super Eagles in June

Russia and the Super Eagles will play a friendly game on June 6.

The men’s national team of Russia will play an international friendly match against the Nigerian Super Eagles on June 6, 2025, according to the Russian Football Union (RFU).

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and two other national football organizations have agreed to set up the friendly matches, according to a statement issued by the RFU on Thursday. Although Russia will host the game, the precise time and location have not yet been decided.

Even though Russia is still prohibited from participating in international football tournaments, this declaration was made. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to the suspension of all Russian national teams and clubs by FIFA and UEFA. However, FIFA somewhat relaxed the rules in 2023, enabling Russian U-17 teams to participate in international competitions in a neutral setting—that is, without the official team uniform, national anthem, or flag.

In spite of the wider prohibition, the Russian senior men’s team has persisted in playing friendly against non-Western nations that are not sanctioned by FIFA.

The scheduled friendly has not yet been confirmed by the NFF in an official announcement. Should the game proceed, it will be Nigeria’s and Russia’s first-ever encounter at the top level of international football.