Super Eagles forward, Akor Adams, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will live up to expectations when they face Russia today in a friendly at the 45,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The former Sevilla striker said that the three-time African champions are determined to put the disappointing 0-3 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign behind them and rebuild their confidence.
Akor, who featured in Nigeria’s opening two AFCON qualifiers, believes the Russia friendly provides an opportunity for the team to regain momentum, while also giving some of the new players in the camp the chance to make an impression.
“For us now, there are a lot of new boys in camp. I’m happy for them, and congratulations to those who are going to make their debut in advance.
“It’s still the Super Eagles and we know what we stand for. The coach has made it clear that we are here to try our best to win.
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“Russia is a very good team as well, and I think they are very hungry to play games because of their peculiar situation.
“For us, it is about giving our best. I know Nigerians are watching; they love football a lot and they love the Super Eagles,” the 2025 AFCON bronze medallist said.
The Venezia striker also urged his teammates to maintain the high standards expected of the national team as they look to use the Russia encounter as a springboard for better performances.
The Super Eagles will hope to put up a good display against Russia and return to winning ways ahead of the remaining matches in their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Meanwhile, 19 players have arrived in the camp of Nigeria ahead of today’s friendly.
Ibrahim Ajasa was the latest player to join the squad as the team rounded off preparations for the encounter with their third and final training session held on Monday night.
The 19 players currently in the camp are Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali, Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, Wilfred Igor, Samuel James, Kenneth Igboke, Chibuzor Nwoko, Umar Abubakar, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Bewene, Umar Abdullai, Atata Michael, Aderemi Adeoye, Isaac James, Michael Stephen and Ibrahim Ajasa.
The encounter provides head coach Eric Chelle with another opportunity to assess his players and test different combinations against a strong Russian side.
