Akhmat head coach Stanislav Cherchesov is expecting a “good test” when his side take on the Super Eagles in an international friendly next month, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria are set to face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, with both teams preparing for another opportunity to assess their squads during the international window.
Cherchesov, who oversees the affairs of the Russian Premier League side, has acknowledged the quality and experience within the Nigerian team ahead of the encounter.
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The Russian tactician expects the Super Eagles to provide a stern examination for the Russia national team, although he admits he is unsure what lineup Eric Chelle will select for the friendly.
“All teams, including ours, test something in friendly matches,” Cherchesov was quoted as saying by Russian outlet Championat.
“The Iranian and Nigerian teams are of a good standard and have a lot of experience, although I don’t know what lineup they’ll be playing, so it will be a good test for the Russian team.”
Nigeria will head into the clash after recently beginning their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Chelle also using the October friendly as an opportunity to assess some of his options.
The Super Eagles boss has named a 24-man squad for the trip, with several new players included as he looks to continue building depth within the national team.
The squad features experienced names such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali and Kelechi Iheanacho, alongside younger players hoping to make an impression.
The upcoming meeting will also be the second time Nigeria and Russia have faced each other at senior international level.
Their previous encounter in June 2025 ended in a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with Tolu Arokodare coming off the bench to score Nigeria’s equaliser after Semi Ajayi’s own goal had given Russia the lead.
Chelle’s side will now look to produce another positive display when they return to Russia, with Cherchesov already anticipating a competitive test for both sides. The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 6pm Nigerian time on October 6.
