Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has set his sights on the international friendly with Russia after winning the Unity Cup tournament, Afrosport reports.
Nigeria defeated Caribbean giants Jamaica to lift the tournament for the third time, having previously won it in 2002 and 2004.
The team will now play the Russians at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday evening to complete their activity for the June international window.
Speaking ahead of the friendly, Chelle said: “Now we go to Russia, and our goal is to win every game. We’re not just travelling for a match — we’re going there to win.
“Right now, I think we’re still in Jamaica — mentally, it feels like it because of how tough the game was. But we must now shift focus.
“Playing away from home is never easy. That’s why we’re working on the mental side of things. That was my message to the players:
“We need to show the football world our mindset, our hunger.
“We’re continuing with the same ambition — to go to Russia, get the win, and return to Abuja with our heads held high.”
The Eagles drip and win. #SoarSuperEagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/kcrhhWELNt
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 1, 2025
Meanwhile, Russian goalkeeper Stanislav Agkatsev is ready to play Nigeria, describing them as a strong team.
“Nigeria has a very good level. Probably one of the strongest teams in recent times,” he said.
“I am sure that a very interesting game awaits us. Of course, I would like to play with any strong team, there are many strong ones.”
After the Russia friendly, Chelle will shift his attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, where they will take on Rwanda and South Africa.
