Renowned Russian coach Valery Nepomnyashchy has shared his thoughts on Russia's upcoming friendly against the Super Eagles.
For the second time in 16 months, the three-time African champions will face the hosts of the 2018 Fifa World Cup, with the friendly scheduled to take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6.
As part of their schedule for the September/October Fifa international window, the Russians will face Iran and African opponents Namibia and Nigeria.
Valeriy Karpin's side defeated Iran 2-0 in their first friendly, thanks to a first-half brace from Monaco star Aleksandr Golovin.
Nepomnyashchy anticipates a challenging encounter against the Super Eagles and suggested that the match could prove more difficult than Russia's meeting with Iran.
Speaking to Euro Football, the former Cameroon coach said: "I can't say anything about Namibia because they're a dark horse for me. And against Nigeria , it'll be pretty much the same as yesterday.
"It won't be easy for us. I think we'll have some major changes in our lineup. It might be even tougher for the Russian team than against Iran."
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man group for the meeting with Russia, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze among the key absentees.
Russia and Nigeria previously met at the Luzhniki Stadium, playing out a 1-1 draw after Tolu Arokodare cancelled out Semi Ajayi’s own goal.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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