NFF president Gusau details benefits of Super Eagles' Russia friendly
- Adaramola Yemiblak
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has outlined several strategic gains for the Super Eagles from the international encounter against Russia on June 6 in Moscow.
Nigeria arrived in Russia at the heels of a successful Unity Cup campaign, which saw them lift the trophy.
Gusau reassured Nigerians that there were no concerns about FIFA sanctions or diplomatic issues stemming from the match. He stressed that FIFA fully sanctioned the fixture, and that all players and officials obtained Russian entry visas through the Abuja embassy.
“This match is a crucial step in the team’s evolution under our new head coach, Eric Chelle," said Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
"It’s not just about the result. It’s about learning, development, and team cohesion. These are the kinds of games we need to grow.”
The NFF president further explained that the fixture provides a rare opportunity for coach Chelle to experiment with different formations and assess which players respond under pressure from a strong European side, as he believes the friendly will be a perfect platform to gauge their readiness for the upcoming AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“Russia is a disciplined and physically dominant team. This kind of test will help our coaching crew evaluate tactical systems and make important adjustments going forward.
"We are building for the future, and we need to understand our depth. The coaches will be watching closely to see who is ready to step up for AFCON and World Cup qualifiers,” he added.
Amid speculation over possible sanctions due to international tensions involving Russia, Gusau was unequivocal that the match was FIFA-approved.
“This match is FIFA-approved. Every process, including visa issuance and formal clearances, has followed global football protocols. There are no fears on that front.”
He also reaffirmed the NFF’s dedication to ensuring the Super Eagles have consistent access to top-quality international friendlies.
“We will make sure that every FIFA window is used to build a stronger, more competitive Super Eagles team. Russia is just the beginning. The future of Nigerian football depends on constant testing and development.”
The upcoming match between the Super Eagles and Russia is a pivotal moment for the Nigerian National Team as the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers firmly in focus.
