The Super Eagles have begun their journey to Russia ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against the hosts, with members of the technical crew and several home-based players already departing Nigeria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Nigerian delegation left Abuja on Thursday and is expected to arrive at Nizhny Novgorod International Airport, also known as Strigino International Airport, on Friday ahead of the encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The travelling group consists largely of members of the backroom staff and players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, while most of the foreign-based invitees are expected to join the team directly in Russia.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who did not return with the squad from Guinea-Bissau following last week's 3-0 AFCON qualifying defeat, is also expected to link up with the delegation in Russia.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, however, has withdrawn from the friendly. The reason for the Besiktas midfielder's withdrawal has not been confirmed.
The Russia fixture was included in a separate squad selected by Chelle, with the coach handing opportunities to several new faces while retaining a number of experienced internationals. Players such as Moses Simon, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho are among those called up.
The friendly is expected to give Chelle an opportunity to assess some of the less experienced players in the squad as he continues to build greater options ahead of future international assignments, including the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying programme.
Nigeria and Russia will meet for the second time in 16 months after playing out a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for the Super Eagles in the second half.
Tuesday's encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time, 5:00 p.m. GMT and 8:00 p.m. Moscow time.