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Nigeria held Russia to a thrilling 1-1 draw in Moscow on Friday evening, halting the hosts’ remarkable winning run in front of an expectant crowd at the Luzhniki Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Tolu Arokodare, on as a second-half substitute, proved to be Nigeria’s hero with a composed finish in the 70th minute — his first international goal — after pouncing on a costly error by Russia’s goalkeeper.
Russia came into the match on the back of seven straight victories, with an astonishing 36 goals scored and none conceded. That record looked set to extend when the Super Eagles fell behind in the 25th minute.
Bright Osayi-Samuel was caught out at full-back, allowing Russia’s winger to deliver a low cross that Semi Ajayi inadvertently turned into his own net.
Despite that setback, Nigeria gradually grew into the game and began to match Russia’s intensity. A golden opportunity to equalise came in the 40th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was denied by a superb save from Matvei Safonov after a flowing Nigerian move.
Raphael Onyedika also came close with a powerful effort from the edge of the box, and Maduka Okoye was called into action at the other end to keep the scoreline at 1-0 before the break.
Early in the second half, Nigeria resumed brightly. Victor Boniface saw a header saved following a fine cross from Uche, before head coach Eric Chelle introduced Arokodare for Boniface in a straight swap on the hour mark.
The equaliser arrived ten minutes later. A misjudged pass from Paris Saint-Germain’s goalkeeper gifted the ball to Arokodare, and the Genk striker kept his composure to slot home with finesse — finally breaching a Russian defence that hadn’t been beaten in over two years.
Russia rallied late and twice came close to regaining the lead, but Okoye stood firm, producing two sharp saves and later denying Dmitriy Barinov with another big stop as Nigeria clung on.
There was nearly a late twist when Arokodare’s header whistled just wide, but the Super Eagles held out for a hard-earned draw — one that ends Russia’s incredible run and gives Nigeria much to build on ahead of their next outing.
