The Rise of African Football Teams Facing Russia

In the wake of being barred from competitive football following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has sought out friendly matches, finding willing opponents among various nations. This trend has notably included several African football teams, sparking discussions about the motivations behind these matches.

Since the ban, Russia has engaged in friendly matches against nations such as Syria, Belarus, and Grenada, among others. Recently, African teams like Egypt, Cameroon, and Kenya have participated in encounters with the Russian national team. Zambia is set to join this list on March 25, 2025.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has indicated that the decision to play against Russia stemmed from a lack of available fixtures during the March international window. Zambia's communications director noted the importance of keeping the team active, especially after Eritrea withdrew from World Cup qualifiers due to concerns about player asylum during travel.

While Zambia describes the match as a friendly and a chance to maintain football activity, the historical ties between the two nations add complexity to the situation. Zambia has a long-standing relationship with Russia, dating back to its independence in 1964 when Russia was a significant ally. This historical connection seems to influence Zambia's willingness to engage with Russia, despite the country's current international standing.

These relationships are not unique to Zambia; other African nations have demonstrated similar ties to Russia, often rooted in historical alliances formed during the Cold War. The Soviet Union's support for various African nations during critical periods has fostered a sense of solidarity that persists today.

Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape plays a role in these interactions. As Russia seeks to re-establish its presence on the African continent amid diplomatic isolation from Western nations, it has leveraged cultural and sporting ties to strengthen its influence. Many African students have studied in Russia, and cultural exchanges have been encouraged, leaving a lasting impact on perceptions of Russia within the continent.

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the geographical distance may result in less immediate concern for many African nations, allowing them to engage with Russia in a sporting context without overt political implications. Zambia's FAZ emphasized that the upcoming match does not signal support for Russia's actions but rather reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining team activity.

With Nigeria also scheduled to play against Russia, the situation presents a complex interplay of sports, politics, and historical relationships. While Nigeria has refrained from publicly discussing its forthcoming match, the nation's historical ties to Russia during the 1960s civil war and subsequent engagements add layers to the narrative of African nations interacting with Russia.

As Russia continues to navigate its diplomatic landscape, the participation of African teams in friendly matches highlights the multifaceted nature of international relations in sports. While the events may seem trivial on the surface, they reflect deeper historical connections and the ongoing shifts in global alliances.