The Armenian national team’s press service announced that Lokomotiv Moscow winger Nair Tiknizyan will receive Armenian citizenship upon his arrival in the country. A representative for the national team confirmed the plan, with Sport Express cited as the outlet reporting that the passport process is proceeding smoothly and that Tiknizyan will be eligible to wear Armenia’s jersey in forthcoming fixtures once he is in the country and completes the necessary formalities.
The press release indicates that Tiknizyan is in favorable standing regarding his Armenian citizenship status. It notes that once he lands in Armenia, authorities will finalize the formalities to confer Armenian citizenship, enabling him to join national team duties in the near term. The team’s press service will provide the required documentation when Tiknizyan arrives.
Tiknizyan joined Lokomotiv Moscow after leaving CSKA Moscow, a club where he developed as a youth before moving in the summer of 2021. Earlier in his career, he represented Russia at youth levels and participated in the 2020 European Championship, gaining valuable experience at a high level of competition. This background reflects a common route for players who switch allegiance to pursue international opportunities with ancestral nations.
In the 2023-24 season, the footballer appeared in 25 competitive matches for Lokomotiv Moscow across all competitions. He contributed offensively with one goal and four assists, underscoring his role as a creative presence from wide or attacking midfield positions. Coaches and analysts have noted his ongoing development and potential fit within Armenia’s tactical setup.
Former Russian national team coach Anatoly Byshovets commented on Tiknizyan’s decision to represent Armenia, suggesting that a player’s choice can be influenced by personal heritage, career momentum, and the chance to contribute on the international stage. Byshovets’ observations highlight the broader trend of players weighing national allegiance against club commitments and the evolving criteria that national teams use when building rosters.