Intl Friendly: Arokodare Snags First Eagles Goal in Russian Showdown

Genk striker Tolu Arokodare became the hero for the Super Eagles when his second-half goal secured a 1-1 draw for Nigeria against Russia's national team in an international friendly match held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday. PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

As both squads entered the match riding high on undefeated records, Nigeria's Super Eagles hadn’t tasted defeat in their previous six games, including victories over Ghana and Jamaica en route to clinching the Unity Cup friendly competition held at the G-tech Community Stadium in London. Meanwhile, Russia was enjoying an impressive run of eight consecutive wins dating back to October 2023 under Stanislav Cherchesov’s guidance.

Valery Karpin’s team took the initiative and scored the opening goal just before halftime when center-back Semi Ajayi inadvertently directed Danil Krugovoy’s cross into his own net.

There was not much to distinguish between both teams at halftime, with Russia having only a slight edge.

Upon resumption of the second period, Nigeria’s best opportunity came when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru raced through and looked certain to score, but his effort was kept out by PSG backup goalkeeper Matvey Sofanov.

The hosts ought to have extended their advantage when Melekhin found himself unmarked inside the box following a free-kick, yet he failed to outmaneuver Udinese’s goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who was standing between the posts for Crystal Palace.

Eagles manager Eric Chelle quickly decided to use his substitutes to change the course of the game and introduced Arokodare for Victor Boniface, who was playing as a forward for Bayer Leverkusen, shortly after the hour mark.

In the 71st minute, the 24-year-old rewarded his employer’s confidence when he capitalized on a mistake made by Russia's goalkeeper, Safonov. The Russian custodian’s weak clearance presented him with an easy opportunity, allowing the forward from Genk to score his inaugural international goal during his fourth appearance for the nation that has won the AFCON title thrice.

Valery Karpin’s side pushed for a late winner but Okoye produced a superb save to deny Aleksey Batrakov before substitute Dmitriy Barinov blazed over from close range, as both teams shared the spoils.

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