Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has said that the Super Eagles had to give everything to match Russia in Friday’s 1–1 friendly match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
The 24-year-old played the full game and praised the Russian team for their strong performance and intensity.
Speaking to Match TV after the match, Okoye said:
“The Russian team played at a very high level. We had to give our best to keep up. I think it was a great match for the fans.”
The Super Eagles, preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, went behind in the first half but scored an equaliser after the break.
Okoye said the game was a good learning experience for Nigeria.
“The balls were a little easier than usual, but overall, everything was fine. I really liked the atmosphere in the stadium.”
The match was a rare meeting between Nigeria and Russia and was played in front of a lively crowd.
For Russia, the friendly is part of their ongoing international games following their suspension from UEFA and FIFA competitions.
For Nigeria, attention now turns to improving their tactics ahead of important World Cup qualifying games later this year.
