The Super Eagles will need to pay close attention to five Russian players when they face Valery Karpin’s side in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Russia enter the encounter with considerable attacking confidence after recording a 6-0 victory over Namibia on Saturday, with the five players highlighted among those who contributed to the emphatic result.
Lechi Sadulaev is one of the players Nigeria cannot afford to give space around the penalty area.
The Akhmat Grozny midfielder was voted the best player of Russia’s victory over Namibia after opening the scoring, emphasizing his influence in the attacking third.
Danil Prutsev provides another threat from midfield. The Spartak Moscow player was among Russia’s starters against Namibia and found the net in the second half.
His ability to contribute from midfield could force Nigeria’s defenders to remain alert when Russia attack through the centre.
Konstantin Tyukavin will present a different challenge. The Dynamo Moscow forward came off the bench against Namibia and quickly made an impact by scoring.
His movement and presence in the final third could test Nigeria’s central defenders, particularly if he receives service inside the box.
Maksim Glushenkov is another player capable of changing the game. The Zenit attacking midfielder scored after coming on against Namibia and also delivered the corner that eventually resulted in Russia’s sixth goal.
Maksim Petrov completes the list after producing both a goal and an assist against Namibia.
The Baltika midfielder supplied Glushenkov for Russia’s fourth goal before converting a penalty for his first international goal.
Nigeria’s defence will therefore have several different attacking profiles to monitor when the two sides meet on Tuesday.
Wale Adejumo
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