Hosts Russia lead an experimental Nigerian side 2-1 in a friendly by halftime.
🚨Kelechi Iheanacho scores from outside against Russia. 🇷🇺 Russia 0-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬 https://t.co/kntJBIbTPz
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 6, 2026
Kelechi Iheanacho opened scoring for Nigeria after just 10 minutes, when his left-footed strike from distance sneaked through the near post.
It was his 16th international goal for the striker, who clocked 30 years a few days ago.
Russia drew level on the half hour mark when a mistake by Emmanuel Fernandez let them to goal.
The home team cheered on by a 35,000-strog crowd continued to pile pressure on the Nigerian defense and they were rewarded in first half stoppage time to go into the interval 2-1 up.
Benjamin Fredrick in the heart of the Eagles defense has been up and about, while the team that started with as many as five debutants have in general held their own.
However, the home team have been on the front foot for most of the game and would be looking to score more goals after the interval.
