Nigeria Extends Unbeaten Run with 1-1 Draw Against Russia

Nigeria's Super Eagles played to a 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday evening.

The match, marking their first-ever senior-level encounter with Russia, was a competitive affair with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

Russia took the lead in the 27th minute following an unfortunate own goal by Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi, who inadvertently redirected a low cross past his goalkeeper. Nigeria responded with determination, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 71st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a poor clearance by Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, calmly slotting the ball into the net to level the score.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes, with Nigeria's goalkeeper Maduka Okoye making crucial saves to deny Russia a late victory. Despite the intensity, the match ended in a draw, extending Nigeria's unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions. The Super Eagles will now shift their focus to their 2026 World Cup qualification fixtures in September, where they will face South Africa and Rwanda in crucial back-to-back ties.