Mikhail Gershkovich expects Russia to face a ‘serious force’ in Nigeria friendly

Retired Soviet Union striker Mikhail Gershkovich says Nigeria will remain a formidable opponent for Russia despite the Super Eagles being without several important players for their international friendly on 6 October.

Russia will first play Namibia on 3 October before meeting Nigeria three days later at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod.

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle will be unable to call on former African Footballers of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for the match. Five Premier League players are also missing, with Frank Onyeka, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi absent from the squad.

Bruno Onyemaechi and new arrival George Ilenikhena are also unavailable.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Femi Azeez and Zaidu Sanusi were not selected for the first international break of the 2026-2027 season because of fitness problems.

Despite Nigeria’s lengthy list of absentees, Gershkovich believes the team still possesses enough depth to make the fixture a demanding test for Russia.

He also expects Russia head coach Valery Karpin to use the meeting with Namibia to assess members of his squad before selecting a stronger side against Nigeria.

“The Russian national team has two more games. Against Namibia, as Karpin likes, we can try out the players,” Gershkovich told Championat.

“And against Nigeria, I expect the main lineup to be back in action. I’d like the team to consolidate this performance so we can enjoy it again.

“Nigeria is a tough opponent; even though they’ll be missing several key players, they have a lot of reserves. Whoever starts against them will be a serious force.”