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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) finds itself at the center of a storm after reports emerged that the Super Eagles have agreed to face Russia in an international friendly in June—despite the European nation being banned by FIFA, Footynaija.com notes.
The development has drawn sharp criticism from within Nigeria’s football leadership, raising questions about the decision-making process behind the fixture.
However, with the possibility of backlash growing, a potential alternative has surfaced—AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco are considering adding Nigeria to their list of high-profile friendlies as they gear up for the tournament on home soil.
Could this be the perfect solution to Nigeria’s diplomatic and footballing dilemma?
Russia friendly raises eyebrows
Russia announced their upcoming friendlies in a statement on the Russian Football Union (RFU) website, confirming that they will host Nigeria on June 6, before facing Belarus four days later. The fixtures follow their March meeting with Zambia, another African opponent.
But the move has sparked controversy. Russia has been under a FIFA and UEFA ban since 2022, prohibiting them from participating in official competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and the Euros. While the ban does not explicitly forbid friendly matches, many within the NFF are questioning the wisdom of scheduling a match against a sanctioned nation.
An anonymous NFF board member voiced his concerns to the Guardian:
“I don’t know how some people think… even if they anticipate FIFA will lift the ban, wouldn’t it have been better to wait for that to happen before agreeing to any friendly with Russia?”
The issue is not just political. Nigeria’ Super Eagles are preparing for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in August/September, and some feel that facing Russia in June — whose playing style differs greatly from their African counterparts — offers little benefit in terms of preparation.
Morocco to the rescue?
As Morocco prepares to host AFCON 2025, the Atlas Lions are leaving nothing to chance.
Determined to make history by winning the trophy on home soil, they have lined up a series of friendlies, including one against Benin. Now, Nigeria is among the nations they are considering for a pre-tournament test, as per the Sun.
Facing Morocco would offer Nigeria a competitive fixture against one of Africa’s top sides rather than the uncertain optics of a match against Russia.
Morocco’s last AFCON campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by South Africa, and they are determined to be in peak condition for their home tournament.
For Nigeria, the potential clash could be an ideal replacement for the Russia fixture, providing valuable preparation for both their World Cup qualifiers and future AFCON ambitions.
What next for the Super Eagles?
With the NFF facing internal backlash over the Russia decision, the question now is whether they will reconsider and explore alternative options.
Morocco present a politically safe and technically beneficial alternative — one that could help Nigeria avoid unnecessary controversy while ensuring the Super Eagles get top-quality preparation.
Will the NFF act swiftly to replace Russia with Morocco, or will they stick with a decision that continues to raise eyebrows? The coming weeks could define the Super Eagles’ international calendar and shape their road to future tournaments.
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