Retired Russia international Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who registered 233 goal involvements in 386 appearances for Zenit St. Petersburg, has predicted the outcome of the upcoming friendly between Russia and Nigeria.
After the two sides played out a draw in their last meeting in June 2025, Russia will face the Super Eagles again on October 6 at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is expected to field a weakened squad for the showdown, with the Malian unable to call on nine players who would likely feature in his strongest lineup, including Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen.
When asked to predict both the outcome and scoreline of the match during a new episode of the YouTube show It's Football, Brother!, Aleksandr Kerzhakov backed his country to beat the three-time African champions.
He was quoted as saying by Championat, "No, well, Russia will win this match. And they'll win all three home matches... Just... What score... I don't remember teams like Nigeria coming here and going head to head.
"Everything was calm there. Now... No, it'll be the same kind of fuss. 1-0, 2-1".
The Super Eagles players and officials have already landed in Moscow for the friendly against Russia.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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