Tolu Arokodare was the hero as Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Russia in a friendly match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday evening.
The Super Eagles, led by Eric Chelle and without several key players including star striker Victor Osimhen, showed resilience after falling behind in the first half. The match marked the first-ever senior international meeting between Nigeria and Russia.
Russia took the lead in the 33rd minute when Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi accidentally put the ball into his own net while trying to clear a dangerous cross. Despite chances from both sides, the hosts went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
However, Nigeria fought back strongly in the second half. The equaliser came in the 71st minute when Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov made a costly error by passing the ball straight to Arokodare. The Genk forward calmly slotted the ball into the net from close range to bring the Super Eagles level.
Russia pushed for a winner in the closing stages and nearly found one, but Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made several crucial saves, including a full-stretch stop to deny Batrakov late on.
Nigeria made tactical changes to secure the draw, including bringing on Valentine Ozornwafor to tighten the defence. Substitute Ibrahim Olusegun also added energy up front.
The result means Nigeria are now unbeaten in their last seven matches, following their recent success at the Unity Cup in London, where they defeated Ghana and beat Jamaica on penalties in the final.
The Super Eagles will now focus on their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda coming up in September.
