Nigeria head coach Eric Sekou Chelle is reportedly set to start a new defensive partnership for the upcoming international friendly against Russia.

The Super Eagles will face the Sbornaya at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6.

This will be the second time the two teams have met in two years after playing out a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in June last year.

With several withdrawals and injuries in the team camp, OwnGoalNigeria reports that Eric Chelle will line up Benjamin Fredrick, Emmanuel Fernandez, Isaac James and Abdullahi Bewene in defence against Russia.

Reports from the team camp indicate that the Malian tactician has been training with this back four ahead of the friendly.

Barring any last-minute changes, the new defensive partnership will be in action for the three-time African champions on Tuesday.

WDN