Super Eagles news: Abdullahi Bewene explains why Russia clash is important

Super Eagles defender Abdullahi Bewene has revealed what Nigeria will be hoping to achieve when they face Russia on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will take on the European side at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in their final game of the international window, with Eric Chelle’s men hoping to put their recent setback behind them.

The Super Eagles suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign last Friday.

Nigeria had started the qualifiers with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor getting on the scoresheet, with Usor’s goal marking the fastest goal scored by a substitute on his Nigerian debut.

However, that positive start was followed by the heavy defeat to Guinea-Bissau, leaving Nigeria second in Group L, three points behind the Djurtus with two games left to play.

Qualification has now become more difficult for the Super Eagles because Tanzania are co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON and therefore only one other team from the group will qualify.

What Abdullahi Bewene said ahead of Super Eagles vs Russia

Bewene, who made his Super Eagles debut in June during an impressive 2-2 draw against Poland in June, has now returned to the national team setup after missing out on the squad for the AFCON qualifiers.

The 21-year-old expressed his disappointment over missing that squad, but has revealed that the team are fully prepared for their clash against Russia.

“Like I told you last time, I am very happy to be back in the national team after my previous outing before the World Cup, when we played Poland and Portugal. I would have loved to make the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, but I am still happy to be part of this team”, Bewene told Footy-Africa.

“It is always a good feeling when your talent is recognised and appreciated, and I am very grateful for this chance. I do not take it for granted. Russia at home are very dangerous and will cause us a lot of problems, but we will be ready for them. We respect them, but we do not fear anyone.”

Bewene believes the Super Eagles must give everything in the game and hopes a positive result against Russia can help restore confidence within the team after the Guinea-Bissau defeat.

“We will give it our best shot and hopefully get something from the game. I am also happy that most of the group are within a certain age range, which means the coach is building for the future, and luckily, he sees me as part of that.

“Nigeria has a lot of talent, and for me to be here is a blessing. We will do our best to get a good result, which will boost our confidence going forward”, he added.

Nigeria and Russia played out a 1-1 draw when both sides met in 2025, and the Super Eagles will now be looking for a victory to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

Chelle’s men will then return to action in November when they face Tanzania in a double-header as they look to put their AFCON qualifying campaign back on the right track.