The Super Eagles of Nigeria battled to a 1-1 draw in their final international friendly game of the summer against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Footynaija.com reports.
An underwhelming start to the game saw the Super Eagles go one goal behind after Semi Ajayi’s unfortunate own goal midway into the first half. However, a slightly improved second half saw Tolu Arokodare profit from a defensive blunder to grab Nigeria’s equalizer.
After Nigeria’s third draw under Eric Chelle, Footynaija.com takes a look at how each player performed in Moscow.
GK: Maduka Okoye – 6.8
Okoye left a bit to be desired in terms of his ball distribution, but the Udinese shot-stopper gave a good account of himself overall. His impressive saves were the only reason the Super Eagles weren’t beating by three or more goals in Moscow.
RB: Bright Osayi-Samuel – 5.9
Osayi-Samuel offered little impetus going forward and still fell short when it came to his defensive duties. The cross that led to Russia’s goal came in from his area of the pitch and you would feel he could’ve dealt with that more decisively.
CB: William Troost-Ekong – 5.7
The Super Eagles skipper was not the usual commanding presence at the heart of defense that we’ve become accustomed to watching. He literally struggled to keep up with Russia’s attackers in this game.
CB: Semi Ajayi – 5.5
Ajayi endured a nightmare return to the heart of defense for the Super Eagles out there in Moscow. His first half own goal sums up Nigeria’s struggle at the back for the vast majority of the game.
LB: Bruno Onyemaechi – 6.0
Onyemaechi, like other Super Eagles defenders struggled to cope with Russia’s speed in attack. But the Olympiacos full-back was one of the few players who tried to make something happen in the final third.
CM: Frank Onyeka – 6.0
Onyeka put in a decent performance in the middle of the park for Nigeria, especially in the moments when they had the ball. However, the Brentford man was just unable to affect the game attacking-wise and settled for mostly recycling possession.
CM: Raphael Onyedika – 5.9
The Club Brugge midfielder didn’t really get a chance to shine in Moscow. He struggled to influence the game and was caught in possession on too many occasions.
AM: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.3
Dele-Bashiru was one of the more positive minded Super Eagles players on the pitch in today’s game. The Lazio man always tried to create something in the final third. He came quite close to drawing the match level in the first half but for a fine save from Russia’s goalie.
AM: Christantus Uche – 6.5
Another bright spark for Eric Chelle’s men in an otherwise underwhelming game, Uche showed why he is one of the fast rising midfielders in Europe. He was another source of headache for the Russian defense and could have grabbed an assist if Boniface did not head straight at the goalkeeper.
FW: Moses Simon – 5.6
Simon uncharacteristically offered next to nothing from his side of the pitch for the full duration of the game. His failure to attempt take ons, choosing instead to go pass back into midfield was frustrating to watch.
FW: Victor Boniface – 5.5
It was another disappointing Super Eagles outing for the Bayer Leverkusen striker who still awaits his first international goal in Nigeria’s green and white.
Substitutes
Tolu Arokodare – 7.0
Arokodare replaced Boniface upfront just after the hour mark and significantly impacted the game only a few minutes later. The Racing Genk pounced on a loose pass as Russia tried to play out from the back to score Nigeria’s equalizer.
Olakunle Olusegun – 5.5
The debuting Super Eagles forward was mostly saddled with defensive responsibilities as Russia piled the pressure in search of a late winner. We didn’t get a chance to see him further up the pitch.