Sport
Russia Coach Says His Team Played Well Despite Draw with Super Eagles
Russia’s head coach Valery Karpin praised his team’s performance after their 1-1 draw with Nigeria in the friendly at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on Friday. The game saw Semi Ajayi score an own goal to give Russia the lead, but Nigeria fought back through Tolu Arokodare’s equalizer.
Karpin highlighted Russia’s high pressing and direct style of play, as well as their strong defensive effort, which limited Nigeria to very few shots on target. He also singled out goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for making several important saves during the match.
“I can’t recall a single moment where we were really threatened except for a mistake during a play out,” Karpin said after the game. “Nigeria didn’t create much danger, but we had our chances. Melekhin and Barinov both came close after set pieces. The goal we conceded wasn’t really from pressure — it was just a lapse.”
Russia had previously beaten Zambia 5-0 in another friendly, but Karpin acknowledged that Nigeria and Cameroon are at a higher level than Zambia and Kenya. “They’re all strong, athletic teams, but Cameroon and Nigeria stand out with higher quality and power. The FIFA rankings back this up. You just can’t compare them. Nigeria and Cameroon make the games more exciting,” he added.
Coventry City manager, Frank Lampard, speaks on team player and states how the player’s stance will help the team get into the Premier League.
The player is revealed to be Onyeka who he spoke about in the recent interview.
“He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players we have.
“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us.”
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, after their last match, shares an update on the injured team members after their last match.
He shared an update on Saka and stated that he is doing better after going through a hip injury. “His hip is improving a lot. Hopefully, he’ll be ready soon.”
He added about the other team members: “Martin is getting better and will be back in a few days, and Jurrien is fit for the weekend.”
Super Eagles footballer, Alex Iwobi, speaks on the World Cup and reveals their hope to play in the 2026 World Cup.
He shared that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopeful about hearing from them after they submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment. But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been.”
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