Arokodare scores first international goal as Nigeria holds Russia in Moscow

By Olaolu Joseph

KRC Genk of Belgium forward, Tolu Arokodare, opened his international goal account for Nigeria, scoring a face-saving equaliser to earn the Super Eagles a 1-1 draw against the Russian senior national team.

The international friendly, played on Friday night at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, was witnessed by a capacity crowd.

Russia took the lead in the 27th minute when Nigeria’s defender, Semi Ajayi, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it, leaving goalkeeper Maduka Okoye helpless.

That own goal was the only difference between the two sides in the first half of what was their first-ever senior-level encounter.

The Super Eagles came out stronger in the second half and deservedly found the equaliser in the 71st minute. Arokodare capitalised on a poor clearance by the Russian goalkeeper, who played the ball straight into his path, allowing him to calmly slot it home.

Both teams were unable to add to their tally before the final whistle, resulting in a draw and a share of the spoils.

The result maintains the unbeaten record of Eric Chelle as head coach of Nigeria.

The friendly was a ceremonial match, not recognised by FIFA, as Russia remains under a ban from international football due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.