MOSCOW – Russia’s head coach, Valery Karpin, has announced his final 31-man squad. This squad will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly match. Karpin trimmed the list from a provisional 41 players named last week. The Russia squad for Nigeria selection emphasizes current form.
Karpin Emphasizes Homegrown Talent
The Russian team will begin their training camp on Saturday at the Novogorsk base. Coach Valery Karpin explained his choices. “We’ve made our choices based on current form and team chemistry,” he said. The Karpin names Russia team list notably includes only two foreign-based players. These are goalkeeper Matvey Safonov from Paris Saint-Germain. Midfielder Anton Miranchuk of Swiss club FC Sion is the other. “We are focusing on homegrown talents, but Safonov and Miranchuk have proven their worth abroad,” Karpin stated, highlighting his selection strategy.
Moscow Showdown: A “Test of Character”
The much-awaited Russia vs Nigeria friendly will be played on Friday, June 6. The match will take place at Moscow’s well-known Luzhniki Stadium. Football fans anticipate an exciting contest between the two prominent football nations. A spokesperson for the Russian Football Union described the game’s importance. “It’s more than a friendly; it’s a test of character and strategy,” the spokesperson said. Both Russia and Nigeria are expected to use this match to prepare for upcoming major international tournaments.
By Kayode Ojo
