By Femi Fabunmi
An under-strength Nigeria side showcased resilience and character on Friday night, holding Russia’s in-form Sbornaya to a 1–1 draw in an entertaining international friendly at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
Despite the absence of key players including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze, the three-time African champions stood tall against a Russian team riding an eight-game winning streak.
Early in the match, Victor Boniface had a golden opportunity to give Nigeria the lead after chesting down a cross from Bruno Onyemaechi in the eighth minute, but his heavy touch allowed the Russian defence to recover. Ten minutes later, Semi Ajayi made a vital clearance from a dangerous cross, but the pressure was building.
Russia took the lead in the 27th minute through an unfortunate own goal. Viktor Melyokhin surged past Bright Osayi-Samuel on the right and delivered a low cross that Ajayi inadvertently turned into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Maduka Okoye helpless.
Unfazed by the setback, Nigeria continued to probe, maintaining composure and searching for openings in a well-drilled Russian defence. Midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru provided balance and creativity, while captain William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, and Onyemaechi formed a disciplined backline.
Just before the break, Dele-Bashiru danced through the Russian defence and faced down goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who brilliantly tipped the ball over the bar. Moments later, Aleksandr Mostovoi fired into the side-netting as Russia sought to extend their lead.
Nigeria came out stronger in the second half. Onyedika disrupted a Russian build-up in midfield and released Christantus Uche, whose cross found Boniface, but Safonov comfortably gathered the header.
The Russians pressed with fresh legs, including Maksim Osipenko and Maksim Glushenkov, but Nigeria’s defence remained firm, with Okoye making key saves and the hosts wasting chances through poor finishing.
In the 67th minute, Ajayi nearly made amends for his own goal, getting on the end of a free-kick, but once again Safonov was alert.
The Super Eagles finally found the equaliser in the 71st minute through substitute Tolu Arokodare. The Belgian-based striker chased down a loose pass as the Russian defence tried to play out from the back. Seizing on Safonov’s underhit clearance, Arokodare calmly slotted the ball into the far corner — his first goal for Nigeria, and a deserved reward for their persistence.
Okoye denied Batrakov in the closing minutes, ensuring Nigeria preserved their unbeaten run in 2025. The result sets the tone for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa later this year.
