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Russia 1-1 Nigeria: Tolu Arokodare’s first goal salvages draw for Super Eagles
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team played out a 1-1 draw with Russia in an international friendly match on Friday.
Maduka Okoye; Osayi Samuel, Troost Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka, Chrisantus Uche, Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika; Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface started the match for the Super Eagles.
The Russians went ahead from Semi Ajayi’s own goal in the 26th minute of play.
In the 41st minute, the Super Eagles missed a significant opportunity to equalize. Dele Bashiru’s placement lacked the necessary force, resulting in a save by the Russian goalkeeper, who punched the ball away.
Head coach of the three-time African champions, Eric Chelle, introduced Tolu Arokodare for Victor Boniface in the 62nd minute,, which proved to be helpful and tactical in changing the scoreline.
In the 71st minute, Arokodare capitalised on a mistake from the Russian keeper to grab his first Nigeria goal and equalise for the Super Eagles.
Overall, Chelle’s side won two of their three games played during the international windows including penalty victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final before te stalemate with Russia.
They will now focus on the next round of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with a huge task of returning to the tournament after missing out of the 2022 edition in Qatar.
