Nair Tiknizyan Chooses Armenia Over Russia After Suspension
Lokomotiv Moscow forward Nair Tiknizyan explained his decision to represent the Armenian national team, driven by Russia’s exclusion from international play. In spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA barred the Russian squad and all its clubs from their competitions, a move that reshaped the career trajectories of several players.
Speaking about the matter, Tiknizyan said the ban influenced his choice. He emphasized honesty, noting that he always seeks the truth in his statements. The player added that seizing opportunities to face top international teams was important to him, and Armenia gave him that platform. He expressed gratitude and a hopeful outlook for the future, stating he believes the national team can achieve significant results together and that Armenian supporters may one day celebrate a World Cup or European Championship qualification alongside their team.
His shift to Armenian eligibility follows his roots in Moscow. Tiknizyan joined Lokomotiv after completing his progression at CSKA, the club where he developed during his youth. He also represented Russia at the youth level and took part in the 2020 European Championship, highlighting a path through the country’s football system before opting for Armenia on the international stage.
In the current season, Tiknizyan has featured in 28 matches for Lokomotiv across all competitions, recording one goal and five assists. The move to Armenia’s national setup mirrors a broader trend of players seeking opportunities beyond their domestic leagues when competition constraints or regulatory changes affect national team eligibility.
Additionally, reports indicated that Dmitry Gunko, formerly head coach of Moscow’s Spartak and now leading Urartu, has accepted Armenian citizenship. This development aligns with a sense of mobility within the region’s coaching and player networks as teams adapt to changing eligibility and league landscapes, while still prioritizing competitive performance on the international stage. Attribution: metaratings.ru
Overall, Tiknizyan’s decision underscores a growing reality for players in modern football: national team representation can shift due to regulatory actions, personal heritage, and the pursuit of meaningful international exposure. His comments reflect a commitment to competing with Armenian teammates at the highest levels and a belief in the country’s potential on the world football map, as noted by those close to the transfer and national team circles.