Russia and Nigeria are set to clash in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday, June 6. The Russia Football Union confirmed the venue on its official website.

It will be Russia’s first game at the Luzhniki Stadium since their World Cup qualifier against Croatia on September 1, 2021. This match also marks the first time Russia and Nigeria will face each other at the senior level.

After the game against Nigeria, Russia will travel to Minsk to play another friendly against Belarus on Tuesday, June 10. Before the showdown with Russia, the Super Eagles will feature in the Unity Cup invitational tournament in London this May.

Eric Chelle’s men are scheduled to face long-time rivals, Ghana’s Black Stars, in their opening game on Wednesday, May 28. Other teams participating in the Unity Cup include the Reggae Boys of Jamaica and the Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago.

Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins has picked Cristiano Ronaldo as his Greatest of All Time ahead of Lionel Messi.

Speaking on the Football Fans Tribe podcast, the former Newcastle and Inter Milan striker described Ronaldo as a machine, praising his ability to keep scoring goals despite his age.

Martins said, “I would choose Ronaldo. He’s a machine. He’s still playing and scoring goals. Playing in so many different countries is really hard.”

He also spoke about Messi’s calm personality, saying, “People love Messi because he is calm and doesn’t seem arrogant. But sometimes, as a footballer, you need a little arrogance to push yourself.”

During his career, Martins went head-to-head with both legends four times. He faced Messi when Rubin Kazan clashed with Barcelona in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League group stage and played against Ronaldo during his time at Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Former boxing world champion Amir Khan has weighed in on the idea of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stepping into the boxing ring.

Khan admitted he would gladly pay to watch the two football icons square off, even though he doubts the fight would ever actually happen. Messi and Ronaldo have ruled the football world for almost 20 years, racking up 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them.

Speaking with Instant Casino, Khan shared his excitement over the fantasy matchup, saying through GOAL, “That would be a great fight. I’d buy a ticket for that. We still don’t know who the true number one is. I like them both – Ronaldo is a great ambassador, and so is Messi. But with the kind of money they’re making, I don’t think either of them would ever risk it. They don’t need to.”

When asked what advice he would give Messi about handling pitch invaders in the MLS, Khan said, “Honestly, just run. He has too much at stake. It’s not worth fighting back. Fans just want to touch him or hug him – they’re not trying to hurt him. They love him. I understand why his bodyguard was moved away, but fans mean no harm.”

Since leaving Europe, the two football greats have gone their separate ways. Ronaldo now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi is lighting up the MLS with Inter Miami.