Izuchukwu Okosi
The Super Eagles of Nigeria came from a goal down to hold Russia to a 1-1 draw in Friday’s international friendly at the Luzniski Stadium in Moscow, reports Prime Business Africa.
The Russians went ahead in the 27th minute when Semilore Ajayi conceded an own goal in a bid to clear the ball.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNigeria had never faced their opponent in international football since the former Soviet Union became Russia.
Both countries had met in the U-20 level when as hosts USSR beat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 2-1 in Minsk, in a group game of the 1985 FIFA U-21 (now U-20) World Youth Championship.
Nigeria avenged that defeat when they crossed paths again in the third place match winning 3-1 after a penalty shootout followed a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes and extra time.
They have never met again until Friday’s international friendly at the senior level.
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Head coach, Eric Chelle, featured a team slightly different from the Unity Cup team due to withdrawals and injuries to some of the players that faced Ghana and Jamaica in the Unity Cup.
West Bromwich Albion centerback, Semi Ajayi, was the unfortunate defender in the 27th minute as he inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net in a bid to deal with the cross delivered by Russia’s Krugovoy into the Nigerian box.
The Super Eagles struggled to carve out clearcut scoring chances and when they did a few times, were unable to make it count.
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, was presented with the best shot at goal in the 40th minute when he waltzed his way into the Russian vital area but was denied by goalkeeper, Matvei Safonov, with a brilliant stop.
Scoring chances were at premium in the second half and it seemed that the Russians were running away with a slim win. However, Tolu Arokodare stepped up in the 71st minute to grab an equaliser.
Chelles would be grateful to goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who produced some vital saves in the second half and denied the hosts chance of a comeback goal.
The Super Eagles will now focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which resumes in September.,The Eagles are fourth in the group below South Africa, Rwanda and Benin Republic.
The friendly match served as an opportunity for the coaching crew to integrate some of the new players into the team.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
