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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa draw World Cup warm-ups
JOHANNESBURG: African powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa all drew on Friday in warm-up matches for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers from September. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria, who drew 1-1 with Russia in Moscow. Ismaila Sarr, a FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace last month, brought Senegal level in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. South Africa were unable to maximise home advantage over Tanzania and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in northern city Polokwane. Nigeria and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal won the previous edition. In Moscow, an own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. There were no further goals until a blunder by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who understudies Gianluigi Donnarumma at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germanin, gifted Nigeria an equaliser. An intended short pass to a teammate by Safonov from his area was intercepted by Belgium-based Arokodare and he scored on 71 minutes. It was the last of three warm-up matches for the Super Eagles, who won the Unity Cup in London last week by defeating Ghana 2-1 and Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Russia have been banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine. It was their second friendly match against African opposition this year after hammering Zambia 5-0 in Moscow three months ago. Meanwhile, Senegal fell behind midway through the first half in the Irish capital when Kasey McAteer fired a rebound into the net after his header struck the woodwork. The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champions levelled on 82 minutes when Sarr pounced on a weak clearance by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and slammed the ball into the net. Senegal travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo in September for a showdown set to decide which country automatically qualifies for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In Polokwane, South Africa had the lion's share of possession, but were unable to break down a well organised Tanzania defence. South Africa came closest to scoring in added time when an audacious lob by substitute Relebohile Mofokeng landed on top of the netting. Zambia were unable to fulfil a fixture against Sudan in Morocco due to a boycott by the national squad over unpaid allowances following the match in Russia.
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa Draw in World Cup Warm-Ups
AFRICAN POWERHOUSES Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa all drew on Friday in warm-up matches for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers from September. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria, who drew 1-1 with Russia in Moscow. Ismaila Sarr, a FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace last month, brought Senegal level in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. South Africa were unable to maximise home advantage over Tanzania and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in northern city Polokwane. Nigeria and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal won the previous edition. In Moscow, an own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. There were no further goals until a blunder by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who understudies Gianluigi Donnarumma at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germanin, gifted Nigeria an equaliser. An intended short pass to a teammate by Safonov from his area was intercepted by Belgium-based Arokodare and he scored on 71 minutes. It was the last of three warm-up matches for the Super Eagles, who won the Unity Cup in London last week by defeating Ghana 2-1 and Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Russia have been banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine. It was their second friendly match against African opposition this year after hammering Zambia 5-0 in Moscow three months ago. Meanwhile, Senegal fell behind midway through the first half in the Irish capital when Kasey McAteer fired a rebound into the net after his header struck the woodwork. The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champions levelled on 82 minutes when Sarr pounced on a weak clearance by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and slammed the ball into the net. Senegal travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo in September for a showdown set to decide which country automatically qualifies for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In Polokwane, South Africa had the lion's share of possession, but were unable to break down a well organised Tanzania defence. South Africa came closest to scoring in added time when an audacious lob by substitute Relebohile Mofokeng landed on top of the netting. Zambia were unable to fulfil a fixture against Sudan in Morocco due to a boycott by the national squad over unpaid allowances following the match in Russia. Recently elected national football association president Keith Mweemba told reporters he inherited an organisation 100 million kwacha ($4 million) in debt.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa draw World Cup warm-ups
African powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa all drew on Friday in warm-up matches for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers from September. Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria, who drew 1-1 with Russia in Moscow. Ismaila Sarr, a FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace last month, brought Senegal level in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. South Africa were unable to maximise home advantage over Tanzania and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in northern city Polokwane. Nigeria and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal won the previous edition. In Moscow, an own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead. There were no further goals until a blunder by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who understudies Gianluigi Donnarumma at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germanin, gifted Nigeria an equaliser. An intended short pass to a teammate by Safonov from his area was intercepted by Belgium-based Arokodare and he scored on 71 minutes. It was the last of three warm-up matches for the Super Eagles, who won the Unity Cup in London last week by defeating Ghana 2-1 and Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Russia have been banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine. It was their second friendly match against African opposition this year after hammering Zambia 5-0 in Moscow three months ago. Meanwhile, Senegal fell behind midway through the first half in the Irish capital when Kasey McAteer fired a rebound into the net after his header struck the woodwork. The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champions levelled on 82 minutes when Sarr pounced on a weak clearance by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and slammed the ball into the net. Senegal travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo in September for a showdown set to decide which country automatically qualifies for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In Polokwane, South Africa had the lion's share of possession, but were unable to break down a well organised Tanzania defence. South Africa came closest to scoring in added time when an audacious lob by substitute Relebohile Mofokeng landed on top of the netting. Zambia were unable to fulfil a fixture against Sudan in Morocco due to a boycott by the national squad over unpaid allowances following the match in Russia. Recently elected national football association president Keith Mweemba told reporters he inherited an organisation 100 million kwacha in debt. str-dl/mw
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
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 Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Football Union of Russia v Nigeria
Update: Date: 71' Title: Goal! Content: Goal! Russia 1, Nigeria 1. Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Update: Date: 70' Title: Post Content: Offside, Nigeria. Christantus Uche is caught offside. Update: Date: 69' Title: Post Content: Foul by Viktor Melekhin (Russia). Update: Date: 69' Title: Post Content: Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Update: Date: 68' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Russia. Ivan Sergeev replaces Nikolay Komlichenko. Update: Date: 68' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Russia. Arsen Adamov replaces Ilya Vakhania. Update: Date: 67' Title: Post Content: Matvey Safonov (Russia) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Update: Date: 67' Title: Post Content: Foul by Semi Ajayi (Nigeria). Update: Date: 67' Title: Post Content: Attempt saved. Semi Ajayi (Nigeria) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the centre of the goal by Matvey Safonov (Russia). Update: Date: 66' Title: Post Content: Corner,Nigeria. Conceded by Viktor Melekhin. Update: Date: 65' Title: Post Content: Foul by Maksim Osipenko (Russia). Update: Date: 65' Title: Post Content: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Nigeria) wins a free kick on the right wing. Update: Date: 64' Title: Post Content: Corner,Nigeria. Conceded by Danil Glebov. Update: Date: 61' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Nigeria. Tolu Arokodare replaces Victor Boniface. Update: Date: 61' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Russia. Yaroslav Gladyshev replaces Maksim Glushenkov. Update: Date: 61' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Russia. Dmitri Barinov replaces Anton Miranchuk. Update: Date: 59' Title: Post Content: Nikolay Komlichenko (Russia) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Update: Date: 59' Title: Post Content: Foul by Frank Onyeka (Nigeria). Update: Date: 58' Title: Post Content: Foul by Nikolay Komlichenko (Russia). Update: Date: 58' Title: Post Content: Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
