Tolu Arokodare scored a second-half equaliser to assist Nigeria earn a 1-1 draw towards Russia of their first-ever senior worldwide match, performed on Friday night on the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
The Tremendous Eagles have been with out key gamers, together with star striker Victor Osimhen, however nonetheless confirmed character and resilience towards a Russian facet that had recorded large wins over Grenada and Zambia earlier this yr.
Russia took the lead within the first half after defender Semi Ajayi unintentionally turned the ball into his personal internet. The hosts dominated the early proceedings and had a number of probabilities to double their lead however have been denied by robust saves from goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Nigeria grew into the match after the break, and within the 71st minute, Arokodare made probably the most of a mistake by Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The PSG shot-stopper gave the ball away underneath strain, and Arokodare calmly slotted dwelling to stage the rating.
Russia pushed for a winner late on, with large probabilities falling to Dmitri Barinov and Dmitri Batrakov, however Okoye produced some tremendous saves to maintain Nigeria within the sport. Substitute Ogbu additionally got here on to assist stabilise the defence within the closing phases.
The draw means the Tremendous Eagles are actually unbeaten in seven consecutive matches, following their current Unity Cup victory in London, the place they defeated Ghana and edged Jamaica on penalties.
Nigeria will now give attention to their essential World Cup qualifiers in September, the place they’re set to face Rwanda and South Africa.
Closing Rating: Russia 1–1 Nigeria
Aim Scorers: Ajayi (personal objective) 42’; Arokodare 71’
