African heavyweights Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa settled for draws on Friday as they continued preparations for their vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns, which resume in September.
In Moscow, Nigeria played a 1-1 stalemate with Russia, with substitute Tolu Arokodare netting his maiden goal for the Super Eagles. Russia took the lead in the 27th minute when defender Semi Ajayi inadvertently diverted a low cross past his goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye.
The equaliser came in the 71st minute after a major error from Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, currently the second choice at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. His misjudged short pass was intercepted by Arokodare, who calmly slotted home.
The match was Nigeria’s final fixture in a trio of warm-up games. They previously clinched the Unity Cup in London with a 2-1 victory over Ghana and a penalty shootout win against Jamaica following a 2-2 draw.
Russia, still banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, has instead continued to face non-European sides in friendlies. Earlier this year, they thrashed Zambia 5-0 in Moscow.
In Dublin, Senegal fought to draw 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland. The Irish went ahead in the first half through Kasey McAteer, who capitalised on a rebound after his initial header struck the post. But with just eight minutes left on the clock, Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr seized on a weak clearance from Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and lashed the ball into the back of the net. The result sets up Senegal for a high-stakes World Cup qualifying encounter away to DR Congo in September, with top spot in their group at stake.
Back on the African continent, South Africa was left frustrated in Polokwane after being held to a goalless draw by Tanzania. Despite enjoying most possession, Bafana Bafana could not find a way through a resolute Tanzanian defence. Their best opportunity came deep in stoppage time when young substitute Relebohile Mofokeng tried an audacious chip, only for the ball to land on the roof of the net.
Elsewhere, Zambia’s scheduled friendly against Sudan in Morocco was cancelled after the Zambian squad refused to play due to unpaid allowances. Keith Mweemba, the newly appointed president of the country’s football association, revealed that he had inherited an organisation burdened with 100 million kwacha (approximately $4 million) in debt.
With the next phase of African qualifiers fast approaching, these warm-up fixtures offered teams a final chance to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth before the real test begins in September.
