Despite missing several key players, Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a spirited performance on Friday night, holding Russia to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly played at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
With stars like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali all absent, many expected a tough evening for Nigeria. But the three-time African champions stood firm, absorbing early pressure and eventually clawing back to secure a draw against an in-form Russian side.
“An under-strength Nigeria side held Russia’s in-form Sbornaya to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining friendly match in Moscow on Friday,” the NFF Communications Department said in its official match report.
The match began with the hosts putting Nigeria’s defense under pressure. In the 27th minute, Semi Ajayi unintentionally turned the ball into his own net while trying to clear a dangerous cross from Viktor Melyokhin. That gave Russia the lead and tilted the momentum in their favor.
Despite the early setback, Nigeria did not retreat. Captain William Ekong marshalled the backline alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, and Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru showed composure and drive. Dele-Bashiru came closest to an equalizer in the first half but was denied by Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov after a dazzling solo run.
In the second half, Nigeria grew more confident. Substitute Christantus Uche whipped in a cross that Victor Boniface met with a header, but Safonov was alert. Russia continued to probe with Maksim Osipenko, Glushenkov, and Mostovoi among the attacking threats, but Maduka Okoye in goal made crucial stops to keep the Eagles in the game.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 71st minute. Substitute Tolu Arokodare, making just his second appearance for Nigeria, pounced on a poor back-pass by the Russian defense. He beat Safonov to the ball and calmly finished into the far corner to make it 1-1.
“It was his first goal for Nigeria and was no more than Nigeria’s endeavor deserved,” the NFF said.
Okoye denied Batrakov late on with a strong save, preserving Nigeria’s unbeaten run in 2025.
The result comes as a boost for the Super Eagles, who will face Rwanda and South Africa in critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in three months.
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