Russia vs Nigeria: ‘They must win’ – Ex-Tottenham star, Pavlyuchenko predicts outcome

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko has expressed his confidence that Russia will win against Nigeria in Tuesday’s international friendly.

The Super Eagles will play against the 2018 World Cup hosts at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium as they seek to recover from their recent 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.

Russia has demonstrated exceptional performance, securing victories in their last four matches while accumulating 14 goals and maintaining a clean sheet.

Notwithstanding their impressive winning streak, Pavlyuchenko anticipates that Nigeria will present a formidable challenge to the home team.

The 44-year-old has advised Russia to apply aggressive pressure on the Super Eagles from the beginning of the match to achieve their first victory over the three-time African champions.

“Russia must win. We’re looking good, creating and scoring a lot, plus we’re playing at home,” Pavlyuchenko said to Stavka TV.

“I don’t expect an easy victory; it’ll likely be a tough match. But Russia must press Nigeria.”

Russia and Nigeria previously encountered each other in June 2025, concluding in a 1-1 stalemate following Tolu Arokodare’s equalizing goal that neutralized an own goal by Semi Ajayi.

The Super Eagles conducted their customary team walk at 11:40am Nigerian time on Tuesday and are scheduled to depart for the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium at 2:45pm.

The friendly match is set to kickoff at 5:00pm

Russia vs Nigeria: ‘They must win’ – Ex-Tottenham star, Pavlyuchenko predicts outcome