Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has backed Russia to defeat Nigeria in Tuesday's international friendly.
The Super Eagles will face the 2018 World Cup hosts at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium as they look to put their recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers behind them.
Russia have been in impressive form, winning their last four games while scoring 14 goals and conceding none.
Despite their strong run, Pavlyuchenko does not expect Nigeria to make life easy for the hosts.
The 44-year-old has urged Russia to press the Super Eagles from the outset if they are to secure their first win over the three-time African champions.
"Russia must win. We're looking good, creating and scoring a lot, plus we're playing at home," Pavlyuchenko said to Stavka TV.
"I don't expect an easy victory; it'll likely be a tough match. But Russia must press Nigeria."
Russia and Nigeria last met in June 2025, playing out a 1-1 draw after Tolu Arokodare's goal cancelled out an own goal by Semi Ajayi.
The Super Eagles held their traditional team walk at 11:40am Nigerian time on Tuesday and are expected to depart for the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium at 2:45pm.
The friendly is scheduled to kick off at 5:00pm Nigerian time.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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