Russian defender Ilya Vakhaniya has lifted the lid on just how tough it was going up against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, branding them the hardest opponents he has faced since breaking into the national team, Footynaija.com reports.
Reflecting on the 1–1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium, the 24-year-old centre-back could not hide his admiration: “I have never had such opponents. This is a team of a different level.”
For Vakhaniya, it was only his third cap for Russia, but the test posed by Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles left a lasting impression.
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Nigeria, without stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, still managed to halt Russia’s seven-game friendly winning streak and became the first side to breach their defence since October 2023.
Despite trailing to a first-half own goal by Semi Ajayi, Nigeria refused to buckle. The second half saw them turn up the intensity, and it paid off when Tolu Arokodare, introduced off the bench, tucked away a clinical equaliser in the 71st minute.
The game swung once Chelle rolled out his subs, shifting Nigeria’s shape and adding fresh legs to stretch the Russian backline.
Vakhaniya, who started the game and was subbed off midway through the second half, admitted it was a bruising encounter.
“The opponents were simply of a good level. It was very difficult to play against the Nigerians,” he said in a report by Izvestia.
And the stats back it up. Though Russia had the lion’s share of possession, both sides finished with a goal apiece.
Maduka Okoye, who was in goal for Nigeria, made several important saves to keep the score level, including a one-on-one block late in the second half that ensured Nigeria walked away unbeaten.
Eric Chelle’s approach is beginning to shape a more organised and balanced Super Eagles side. He made three second-half changes that brought renewed energy and structure.
