Nigeria’s Super Eagles battled to a 1–1 draw against Russia in a high-intensity international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday evening. The match, their first-ever senior-level encounter with Russia, saw both sides create chances in an end-to-end affair that tested the resolve of both goalkeepers.
The Super Eagles went behind in the 27th minute following a defensive lapse. Russian left-back Krugovoy delivered a low cross into the Nigerian penalty area, and in attempting to intercept the ball, defender Semi Ajayi inadvertently turned it into his own net. Komlichenko was lurking behind him, ready to strike, and Ajayi’s intervention, though unfortunate, may have been unavoidable.
Nigeria responded with urgency, pressing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came closest before the break, forcing a brilliant save from Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov with a low drive from close range. Despite this late flurry, the Super Eagles went into half-time trailing 1–0.
Russia had a chance to extend their lead early in the second half, but Maksim Glushenkov fired over the bar from a promising position. Nigeria introduced several changes after the break, including the introduction of Tolu Arokodare for Victor Boniface.
The substitution paid off in the 71st minute when Arokodare pounced on a poor clearance by Safonov, calmly slotting home to bring Nigeria level.
The final minutes saw both teams push for a winner. Okoye, Nigeria’s goalkeeper, made several crucial saves to keep Russia at bay, including a full-stretch stop to deny Batrakov in the 87th minute. Russia’s Barinov also missed a gilt-edged chance late on, heading over from a corner when unmarked.
Though both teams had opportunities to claim victory, the game ended 1–1 after four minutes of added time. Speaking after the match, coach Eric Chelle may take positives from the result, particularly Nigeria’s resilience and defensive discipline after falling behind.
The draw extends Nigeria’s unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions, following last week’s successful Unity Cup campaign in London. The team now shifts focus to their 2026 World Cup qualification fixtures in September, where they are set to face South Africa and Rwanda in crucial back-to-back ties.
