Russia, who are currently serving a FIFA ban due to the war in Ukraine, are now reportedly organising fixtures against three CAF nations.
In February 2022, FIFA, as well as UEFA, announced a ban on Russia from all their competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.
Read: Ex-Sundowns star back among the goals after 8-game drought
"FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice," read a statement by FIFA at the time.
It added: "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people."
Since then, the ban on Russia is yet to be lifted, although FIFA did make an exception in October 2023 by allowing under-17 girls' and boys' teams from the country to take part in tournaments.
"This is conditional on these teams playing under the name of the 'Football Union of Russia' rather than Russia, in the absence of their national flag, their national anthem, their national-team kit and equipment, and instead playing in neutral colours," FIFA said.
However, the senior men's national team have been starved of any competitive matches since the ban was imposed.
Russia, who hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, are now eyeing three fixtures against African opposition in 2025.
According to French newspaper Le Monde, Russia are looking to organise matches against Senegal and Guinea by the end of June.
Moreover, the publication claims that a clash against Nigeria has already been scheduled, which would see Russia play three friendly games against African teams.
It is noted that the football associations of both Senegal and Guinea are yet to receive an official request from Russia, and it is unclear whether they would accept the invite.
Other African nations who have played Russia since their ban include Cameroon, Kenya, and the Egypt U23s, according to Soccerway.
Read: CAF 'banned' stadium without inspection
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
Follow him here on X