Nigeria-Russia Friendly: NFF Dismisses Safety Concerns, Reaffirms Sporting Intent

Nigeria-Russia Friendly: NFF Dismisses Safety Concerns, Reaffirms Sporting Intent

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has defended its decision to proceed with an international friendly between the Super Eagles and Russia’s national team, scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025, in Moscow, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The federation has dismissed concerns about security and political implications, affirming that the fixture is rooted strictly in football development and preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Safety First: No Credible Threat

It is important to note that the international friendly match between Russia and Nigeria is sanctioned by FIFA. This fact showed that there is no iota of security threat before, during and after the match.

In addition, ahead of the decision, an NFF chieftain in a chat with BSN Sports stated that thorough safety assessments were conducted in collaboration with Russia embassy in Nigeria. “All findings confirmed that Moscow, the match venue, poses no security threat to players, officials, or fans,” the federation said.

The top NFF official further referenced Zambia’s international friendly against Russia on March 25, 2025—just months ago—as proof that Nigeria is not alone in engaging the Russian national team. The match, which Zambia lost 5-0, took place without incident, contradicting claims that Nigeria is the first or only country to schedule such a fixture post-Ukraine conflict.

A Football Match, Not a Political Endorsement

Addressing speculation that the game could be perceived as a political gesture, the NFF emphasized that the friendly is strictly a technical engagement. “This is not a diplomatic or ideological alignment,” the top NFF official said. “It is a football match. Our priority is the sporting growth of the national team as we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”

The federation noted that it works hand in hand with the Russia embassy in Nigeria where the Visa processing took place adding that decisions regarding friendly matches are driven by logistics, sporting merit, and team development needs—not geopolitics. More over, there is an existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Russia governments.

Football's Role as a Bridge, Not a Barrier

Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of using sport as a unifying force was also highlighted. “Sport, particularly football, has always been a bridge-builder. Nigeria’s engagements globally—on and off the pitch—have always promoted peace, unity, and shared humanity,” the NFF noted.

Critics, the federation added, must avoid selectively framing narratives that ignore similar engagements by other African and non-European nations, which have continued sporting exchanges with Russia over the past year.

Why Russia? A Competitive, High-Level Test

Russia, a former World Cup host and consistent competitor on the global stage, provides a valuable test for the Super Eagles. “This fixture allows us to evaluate our squad, give new talents international exposure, and fine-tune strategies,” said the NFF. “Russia is a competitive opponent and playing them offers practical footballing benefits.”

Conclusion: Focus on the Game, Not the Headlines

The NFF urged the public and media to view the upcoming fixture through the lens of sporting development and international collaboration. “Attempts to politicize this match serve no constructive purpose,” the federation stated. “The Super Eagles represent a proud footballing nation that makes decisions based on professionalism, preparation, and principle.”