The Super Eagles returned to action on Friday, as they played Russia at their national stadium in Moscow. Eric Chelle’s men were fresh off winning the Unity Cup, and some of the top boys returned to the squad to give them a boost.

Chelle named a strong lineup for the game, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Boniface, and Christantus Uche all starting. Maduka Okoye also started in goal, replacing Maduka Okoye who left camp after the Unity Cup.

The opening embers of the game were tight, with both teams sizing each other up. But they failed to create quality chances. However, it was Russia who broke the deadlock.

Russian players Krugovoy and Mustovoy played some nice passes on the right of Nigeria’s defence.

Then, Krugovoy cut into the box and squared the ball to locate one of his teammates, but Semi Ajayi got to the ball first after a deflection from Troost-Ekong. Unfortunately, he failed to clear, as he mistakenly nudged the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

Nigeria nearly scored the equalizer three minutes later after Boniface set Dele-Bashiru through on goal after a nice give-and-go. But the Lazio man’s effort on goal was pushed away for a corner.

The Super Eagles stepped up their efforts in the second half. But they just lacked the cutting edge. In the 61st minute, Chelle introduced Arokodare for Boniface, and that proved to be crucial.

Ten minutes after his introduction, he intercepted a poor pass from the Russian goalkeeper, took the ball into the box, and calmly slotted it into the net to make it 1-1.

More to follow…