Super Eagles defender Abdullahi Bewene believes that Tuesday's international friendly against Russia can help restore his team's confidence after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match will take place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, marking Nigeria's last fixture of the international break. Nigeria currently trails Guinea-Bissau by three points in Group L.
Coach Eric Chelle's side opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo, courtesy of goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor. However, their recent loss to Guinea-Bissau has piled pressure on their qualification bid. Bewene, 21, made his international debut in Nigeria's 2-2 draw with Poland in June and is back in the squad after missing the qualifiers.
Bewene has warned that Russia will be a tough opponent at home, but he expressed confidence in his team's abilities. "Russia at home are very dangerous and will cause us a lot of problems, but we will be ready for them," he said. "We respect them, but we do not fear anyone." He added that a positive result would lift morale before the next qualifiers.
Nigeria drew 1-1 with Russia in 2025, and Bewene believes that his team can build on that performance. The Super Eagles return to qualifying action against Tanzania in November. Meanwhile, Coach Chelle has invited Rostov midfielder Ibraheem Ajasa ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Russia. Ajasa, 21, joined the Russian club in 2025 and has been training with the senior side for the first time.
The Super Eagles have lost several players to withdrawals, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Akpe Victory, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Stade de Reims midfielder John Oromewo has replaced Ndidi, and Tromsø defender Vince Osuji has replaced Victory. Coach Chelle's team will look to make a strong impression against Russia, despite the setbacks.
Ibraheem Ajasa's inclusion in the squad is seen as a boost to Nigeria's midfield options. Rostov announced the invitation on its official website, confirming that Ajasa will train with the senior side for the first time. Nigeria meet Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, in their last game of the October international window.
The friendly match against Russia provides an opportunity for Nigeria to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of their next qualifiers. A good performance against Russia could help the team regain momentum and build confidence for their upcoming matches. The Super Eagles will look to make a strong statement against Russia, despite the challenges they face.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles face Russia in a friendly match on October 6.
- The match is seen as an opportunity for Nigeria to rebuild confidence after a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau.
- Coach Eric Chelle's side has been weakened by player withdrawals, including captain Wilfred Ndidi.
