"Russian Signs Signal Warmth, According to Matvey Safonov's Account"
Time to Talk: Matvey Safonov Gears Up for Russia vs Nigeria Clash
Hey there! Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is all set for the upcoming showdown between his home nation and Nigeria. In a heartfelt post on his Telegram channel, he shares his feelings.
First off, he's just thrilled to be back home and honored to represent his country. Truth be told, his hectic schedule—including training, medicals, meetings, and interviews—prevented him from updating his socials. Upon returning to Russia, he was warmed by the sight of Russian signs and even felt a sense of homecoming while in a taxi from the airport.
As for the match, Valery Karpin, the national team's coach, confirmed that Safonov, a Krasnodar graduate now playing for PSG, will be our goalkeeper in this friendly match against Nigeria. It's set to go down on Friday, June 6, at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
You might be wondering about Safonov's performances with PSG, the team he plays for. Well, let me fill you in. They've made some serious waves, winning the Champions League by crushing Italian side "Inter" 5-0 in the final. During his stint with PSG, Safonov played 17 matches (13 goals conceded but seven clean sheets to his name).
Many may not have details on his friendly match performances, but his selection for competitive tournaments speaks volumes about his growing role within the team. For example, in a league match against Reims on May 24, 2025, Safonov was picked ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, signifying his rising prominence in the team's lineup.
While we don't have comprehensive statistics on his friendly match performances, his involvement in competitive matches indicates he's settling in well with the team. Fingers crossed for a spectacular game, fellow soccer enthusiasts!
Matvey Safonov, amidst his preparations for the Russia vs Nigeria clash, shared his heartfelt excitement about playing in a European league, having been part of the PSG team that clinched the Champions League last year. Acknowledging the highly-anticipated match on Friday, he acknowledged the importance of his role, referencing his significant appearances in competitive tournaments.
