Nepomnyashchy warns Nigeria could pose tougher test for Russia than Iran

Renowned Russian coach Valery Nepomnyashchy believes Russia may face a more difficult challenge against Nigeria than they did in their recent friendly with Iran.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, will meet the hosts of the 2018 Fifa World Cup for the second time in 16 months when the sides play at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6.

The match is part of Russia’s schedule for the September/October Fifa international window, during which Valeriy Karpin’s team will also face Iran and African opposition Namibia.

Russia began the international window with a 2-0 victory over Iran. Aleksandr Golovin scored both goals in the first half, with the Monaco midfielder’s brace settling the opening friendly.

Nepomnyashchy expects the meeting with Nigeria to be a considerably more demanding contest, particularly with Russia likely to make significant changes to their starting line-up.

“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,” the former Cameroon coach told Euro Football.

“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 head coach Eric Chelle has selected a 24-man squad for the fixture. However, the group does not include several prominent players, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze among the notable absentees.

The upcoming game will be the second meeting between Russia and Nigeria in 16 months. Their previous encounter took place at the Luzhniki Stadium and ended in a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria took a point after Tolu Arokodare cancelled out an own goal from Semi Ajayi.