Russia rout Namibia 6-0 as Nigeria’s depleted squad prepares for friendly

Russia have warmed up for Tuesday’s international friendly against Nigeria with a 6-0 victory over Namibia, while the Super Eagles prepare for the meeting with a significantly reduced squad. The match will be played at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Punch Nigeria reported that Russia led 1-0 at half-time before producing a much stronger second-half performance.

Lechi Sadulaev opened the scoring in the 37th minute, and Danil Prutsev doubled the advantage nine minutes after the restart. Konstantin Tyukavin added Russia’s third in the 65th minute. Maksim Glushenkov scored with six minutes of normal time remaining, before Maksim Petrov converted a penalty three minutes later.

Namibia’s difficult night ended with an own goal by Kamaijanda Ndisiro in stoppage time. Nigeria’s preparations have been complicated by a series of absences. Premium Times said the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that only 18 players were currently available in Russia.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi is among those missing after suffering a minor injury during the recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau. The Nigerian midfield has also been affected by club decisions. Raphael Onyedika was reportedly prevented from travelling by Eintracht Frankfurt, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and UAE-based midfielder Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were also unavailable.

Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe was ruled out with an injury. Moses Usor, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar on September 25, could not join the team after Austria’s LASK reportedly declined a late release request from coach Éric Chelle. Suleiman Mubarak was invited from Slavia Prague but could not travel because he had not obtained a residence permit.

Premium Times said late invitee Ibraheem Ajasa of Russian club FC Rostov was expected to join the camp in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday evening. The available group consists of three goalkeepers, five defenders, four midfielders and six forwards, according to the report. The fixture will be Nigeria and Russia’s second meeting in 16 months.

Their previous encounter, in Moscow in June 2025, ended 1-1. Punch said Semi Ajayi’s own goal put Russia ahead before Tolu Arokodare equalised. The reports differ in emphasis: Russia’s emphatic win highlights the hosts’ momentum, while Nigeria’s depleted selection leaves Chelle with limited alternatives before Tuesday’s match.