THE Super Eagles of Nigeria forced Russia to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match in Moscow tonight, with Tolu Arokodare netting his first-ever international goal.
The hosts took the lead in the first half but the three-time African champions levelled up midway into the second period.
West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi inadvertently put Russia ahead with an own goal in the 26th minute.
The Super Eagles, fielding a strong starting line-up including William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Maduka Okoye, Moses Simon and Victor Boniface, equalised in the 71st minute.
Substitute Arokodare was the hero at the packed Luzhniki Stadium, pouncing on an error in the Russia defence to finish smartly.
This is the Super Eagles’ third friendly match in the current FIFA window for internationals, and they are unbeaten.
Eric Chelle’s side defeated Ghana 2-1 and Jamaica 5-4 on penalties to win the Unity Cup in London before the friendly against Russia, who have not played a competitive match since 2022 following the country’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.