The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw with Russia in a spirited international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Russia went ahead in the first half after a defensive miscue saw Nigerian centre-back Semi Ajayi inadvertently score an own goal.
Russia hosted the Super Eagles on Friday evening, marking the first senior-level encounter between the two countries. Though a friendly on paper, the match shaped up to be a high-stakes encounter for both sides, navigating very different footballing landscapes.
Despite the early blow, the opening half remained tightly contested, with both sides creating chances in an evenly balanced encounter.
Super Eagles came out stronger
Nigeria came out stronger in the second half, pressing hard in search of an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded when Tolu Arokodare slotted home a well-taken effort, marking his debut goal for the national team.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could break the deadlock.
With the draw, the Super Eagles wrap up their May/June international window without a defeat.
