The Super Eagles fought from a goal down to draw 1-1 with home team Russia in a highly competitive friendly inside the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow tonight.
Tolu Arokodare | 🇷🇺 Russia 1-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬pic.twitter.com/xzesmUI8uL
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) June 6, 2025
Nigeria thus remain unbeaten this year under coach Eric Chelle.
This was the first-ever meeting at this level between the two teams and they both gave a good account of themselves in front of a sold-out 78,000-capacity stadium.
Russia took the lead in the 27th minute through an own goal by Semi Ajayi.
But the Super Eagles, without several top stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, restored parity through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who profited from a blunder by the Russian goalkeeper.
It was his first goal for Nigeria since his debut in March in Rwanda.
There was a first start for Getafe star Chrisantus Uche, while Victor Boniface was the spearhead of the Super Eagles attack, while Russia-based and former Golden Eaglets winger Olakunle Olusegun made his full international debut.
Russia goalkeeper Matvei Safonov denied Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Super Eagles equaliser just before half time, while Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye ensured were not beaten with a reflex save three minutes to fulltime.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Russia
Maduka Okoye – Onyemaechi, Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Ekong (Captain) – Frank Onyeka, Dele Bashiru (Igho Ogbu 89), Raphael Onyedika – Chrisantus Uche (Olakunle Olusegun 76), Moses Simon, Victor Boniface (Arokodare 61)
