Russia defender Danil Krugovoy hails ‘very strong and skilled’ Nigeria before friendly

CSKA Moscow left-back Danil Krugovoy says Nigeria remain a “very strong and skilled” side as Russia prepare to face the Super Eagles in an international friendly on 6 October.

The match will be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, with Krugovoy looking forward to another meeting between the teams after their previous encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Nigeria took the lead in that match through an own goal by Semi Ajayi. Krugovoy had delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area in the 27th minute, and Ajayi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it.

The Super Eagles responded in the second half when substitute Tolu Arokodare equalised.

Nigeria will enter the forthcoming fixture after a heavy 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. Franculino, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scored for the hosts.

Despite that result, Krugovoy said Russia’s opponents could not be underestimated, pointing to Nigeria’s quality and their previous contest.

“This training camp, we’ll have two interesting matches out of threeagainst Iran and Nigeria,” he told TASS.

“Of course, expectations are high. It doesn’t matter who our opponents are or aren’t.

“Speaking of Nigeria, they’re still a very strong and skilled team, especially since we’ve already played them at Luzhniki, drawing 1-1.”

Krugovoy was also asked which opponent had provided his toughest test while playing for the national team.

He identified Egypt, recalling Russia’s visit there, but also included Nigeria among his most difficult opponents when considering the matches in which he had featured.

“The Egyptian national team, when we visited them. And probably the match against the Nigerian national team, if you count the games I played in,” he said.