Super Eagles news: John Utaka singles out Russia star ahead of Nigeria clash

Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has tipped Russia and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov as a contender for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, just three days before Nigeria face Russia, Soccernet.ng reports.

Utaka, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and made his name playing for European clubs like RC Lens, Portsmouth, Montpellier and Stade Rennais.

The 44-year-old's public backing of Safonov arrived at an odd moment, considering the Super Eagles will play against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

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John Utaka tips Safonov for Yashin Trophy

The former Nigeria international left no doubt about his admiration for the Russian goalkeeper's quality in an interview with Euro-Football.Ru.

“Matvey Safonov is an excellent goalkeeper with incredible talent,” Utaka said. “He has a chance to become the goalkeeper of the year.”

Safonov, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Krasnodar in the summer of 2024, became Luis Enrique's trusted option following Gianluigi Donnarumma's move to Manchester City last year.

The 70th Ballon d'Or awards ceremony will take place on 26 October 2026 at the London Palladium, and the Yashin Trophy will be given there, with Spanish shot-stopper Unai Simón and Arsenal's David Raya currently considered the leading favourites for the award.

Utaka's Ballon d'Or pick: Kylian Mbappe

Utaka also included his pick for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the former Nigeria striker nominating Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as his main contender.

“The main contender for the Ballon d'Or, I will name Kylian Mbappe,” Utaka added.

The specific pick places Mbappe above the current pre-ceremony favourites, Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane, although Michael Olise is also lurking in the shadows around the conversation.

Mbappe's 2025/26 Real Madrid campaign produced the specific individual numbers Utaka clearly believes should settle the debate, though the Ballon d'Or voting panel historically favours trophy returns alongside individual output.

Super Eagles face Russia in Tuesday friendly

The Super Eagles have arrived in Russia on the back of a hard-fought AFCON qualifier campaign that produced a 2-1 opening-day victory over Madagascar in Uyo and a 0-3 loss to Guinea-Bissau last Tuesday.

The fixture gives coach Eric Chelle a chance to assess fringe squad options including Kelechi Iheanacho, Abdullahi Bewene and other Nigerian internationals left out of the September AFCON qualifier squad. New call-ups like Vince Osuji could also make their debut.

The Super Eagles and Russia met in June 2025, with the two nations playing out a 1-1 draw in Moscow. Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria's equaliser on that occasion after Semi Ajayi initially scored an own goal.

For Safonov, Utaka's endorsement adds a layer of pressure to the Tuesday fixture. The Russian goalkeeper will be looking to produce the kind of performance that formally justifies the former Super Eagles forward's Yashin Trophy backing, and a clean sheet against Chelle's Nigeria would be the perfect platform.

While Nigeria will be without the big names like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi, Russia will also be without Aleksandr Golovin, who suffered an ankle injury.