Nigeria to field senior squad against Russia
Nigeria's football federation denies reports of an under-23 lineup, confirming first-team players will face Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on 6 October.
The Nigerian Football Federation has confirmed that the senior national team, rather than an under-23 side, will play the friendly against Russia on 6 October in Nizhny Novgorod.
Acting deputy secretary general Ademola Olajire denied reports that Nigeria planned to field a youth team for the fixture.
"We have agreed with the Russian side on a match between the main national teams. So I rule out the possibility that an under-23 team will travel to Russia. Nigeria's under-23 side will play other opponents. The main Nigerian national team will play against Russia, and our first-choice players should also take part in this match. Our head coach trusts young players, and the game against Russia is a good opportunity to test them. In matches like this, you can make various changes in personnel and give a chance to different footballers to play," Olajire said.
The BetBoom-sponsored friendly between Russia and Nigeria is scheduled for 6 October in Nizhny Novgorod.
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- Нигерия не будет играть с Россией вторым составом, заявили в федерации: «Договорились о матче главных сборных. Основные игроки тоже должны принять участие» sports.ru
- В сборной Нигерии опровергли слухи по матчу с Россией euro-football.ru
- Россия — Нигерия: где пройдет товарищеский матч, дата и время sport-express.ru