Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has declared that Nigeria will be targeting a win when they face Russia in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on Friday (today).
The match comes just days after Nigeria lifted the Unity Cup in London, edging out Jamaica’s Reggae Boys 5-4 on penalties in the final.
Since Chelle assumed leadership of the team, the Super Eagles have remained unbeaten.
“Tomorrow’s game is a friendly, but we have serious goals: firstly, we want to win, secondly, to prepare for the next tournaments and qualifying matches,” Chelle said at a press conference held in Moscow.
The Super Eagles will, however, be without several of their key players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Ndidi.
Explaining the absence of the star names, Chelle said, “Lookman and Osimhen weren’t in the team for the match with Russia because they had a very long season and they need a rest. Moreover, they have important decisions to make in this transfer window. It is important for me that the players, while in the national team, are 100% focused on its tasks.”
He also clarified other player absences, noting, “Tella had visa issues, Chukwueze had family reasons, and Ndidi suffered an injury that prevented him from coming.”
Turning his attention to Friday’s opponent, the former Mali boss acknowledged the strength of the Russian national team.
“We know that the Russian national team is a very strong team. It has many high-class players, they demonstrate an intense, aggressive and technically equipped game,” Chelle stated.
“Now I am thinking about how to build a plan for the upcoming match,” he concluded.
Despite being a friendly, the encounter promises to be a true test for the Chelle-led side as they continue to prepare for future international competitions.
