Tolu Arokodare scored a second-half equaliser to help Nigeria earn a 1-1 draw against Russia in their first-ever senior international match, played on Friday evening at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

The Super Eagles were without key players, including star striker Victor Osimhen, but still showed character and resilience against a Russian side that had recorded big wins over Grenada and Zambia earlier this year.

Russia took the lead in the first half after defender Semi Ajayi accidentally turned the ball into his own net. The hosts dominated the early proceedings and had several chances to double their lead but were denied by strong saves from goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Nigeria grew into the match after the break, and in the 71st minute, Arokodare made the most of a mistake by Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The PSG shot-stopper gave the ball away under pressure, and Arokodare calmly slotted home to level the score.

Russia pushed for a winner late on, with big chances falling to Dmitri Barinov and Dmitri Batrakov, but Okoye produced some fine saves to keep Nigeria in the game. Substitute Ogbu also came on to help stabilise the defence in the closing stages.

The draw means the Super Eagles are now unbeaten in seven consecutive matches, following their recent Unity Cup victory in London, where they defeated Ghana and edged Jamaica on penalties.

Nigeria will now focus on their crucial World Cup qualifiers in September, where they are set to face Rwanda and South Africa.

Final Score: Russia 1–1 Nigeria
Goal Scorers: Ajayi (own goal) 42’; Arokodare 71’