Russia vs. Nigeria ends in 1-1 draw in International friendly match
Russia and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly match on Friday, June 6. An own goal by Semi Ajayi gave Russia the early lead before Nigeria equalized through Tolu Arokodare in the second half. The game featured several substitutions and yellow cards in a competitive exhibition contest
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Russia and Nigeria settled for a 1-1 draw in their men's international friendly football match on Friday, June 6. The match, held as part of each nation's preparations for upcoming qualifiers, saw both sides fielding a mix of regular starters and fringe players.Russia took the lead in the 27th minute via an own goal from Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi, who inadvertently directed the ball past his goalkeeper. Despite several early fouls and a tight midfield battle, Nigeria gradually gained control in the second half.Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Jordan, Uzbekistan make history Tolu Arokodare scored the equalizer for Nigeria in the 71st minute, finishing a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom-right corner of the net. Arokodare had entered the match in the 61st minute, replacing Victor Boniface.The match featured numerous tactical substitutions from both sides. Nigeria made four changes during the second half, including the introductions of Olakunle Olusegun, Igoh Ogbu, and Arokodare. Russia made six total substitutions, including Matvey Kislyak, Ivan Sergeev, and Arsen Adamov.The game began with a measured pace, but physicality increased as both teams sought to dominate possession. Russia's Maksim Osipenko was the first player cautioned for a bad foul in the 19th minute. Nigeria's Bruno Onyemaechi received a yellow card in the 55th minute for a similar infraction.Russia's Danil Glebov was shown a yellow card in the 84th minute, followed by another caution to Aleksey Batrakov in stoppage time. Despite the intensity, no red cards were issued, and both sides avoided serious injuries.Also read: What the Trump travel ban means for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games The fixture resumed in the second half with Russia substituting Lechi Sadulaev in place of Andrey Mostovoy. Over the course of the second half, substitutions from both benches shifted the dynamic but did not alter the 1-1 scoreline.Semi Ajayi's own goal in the 27th minute put Russia ahead, marking an early setback for Nigeria. However, Nigeria recovered well in the second half, particularly after introducing fresh legs through strategic substitutions.The equalizer came when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a well-placed ball and found the bottom right corner with a composed finish. It was the key offensive moment for the Super Eagles, who maintained defensive stability in the closing minutes.Both teams will look to use this international friendly match as a tune-up for upcoming competitive fixtures, as coaches assess player performances and make tactical adjustments
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