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Russia head coach, Valery Karpin has downplayed the importance of Nigeria missing some key Super Eagles players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman ahead of both teams’ friendly at Luzhniki Stadium on Friday evening.

Karpin insisted that his team will also be without two leaders – Diveev Golovin and Aleksandr Golovin, against Nigeria.

“By the way, our leaders – Diveev, Golovin – did not come either,” Karpin said at Thursday’s press conference when asked about key Super Eagles players that will miss the encounter.


“The requirements are always the same – regardless of the opponent.

“We prepare the way we should prepare, taking into account the characteristics of a particular team,” he added.

Russia head to the game after thrashing Zambia 5-0 in their last game.

Nigeria, on the other hand, defeated Jamaica in the Unity Cup final.

The Russia vs Nigeria game will start by 6 p.m., Nigerian time.

https://dailypost.ng/2025/06/06/well-be-without-two-leaders-against-nigeria-russia-coach-karpin-downplays-osimhen-lookmans-absence/