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.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts on the team’s performance following their 1-1 draw with Russia in an international friendly played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday night. Nigeria fell behind in the 27th minute after defender Semi Ajayi accidentally turned the ball into his own net. However, they bounced back in the second half, with Tolu Arokodare coming off the bench to level the score in the 71st minute.

Speaking after the match, Chelle acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents. “It was a tough match. We faced a strong Russian side that put us under real pressure and showed their quality,” he said. “They took their chance in the first half. We had ours too, but their goalkeeper made a great save.”

Despite the draw, Chelle remains unbeaten as Super Eagles coach, recording three wins and two draws in five games so far. Next up for the team are the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, where they’ll take on Rwanda in Uyo before heading to South Africa.

William Troost-Ekong has marked a major milestone—ten years since he first wore the Super Eagles jersey. Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, the solid centre-back made his debut for Nigeria on June 13, 2015, in a match against Chad. Now 31, Troost-Ekong recently earned his 79th cap in a game against Russia at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

Reflecting on his journey, he gave heartfelt credit to the late Stephen Keshi, the legendary coach who gave him his first shot. He also shared how honoured he feels to have taken over the captain’s armband from Ahmed Musa.

“10 years wearing this green and white—June 13, 2015 to June 6, 2025. I’ll always remember Stephen Keshi for trusting me to make my debut in Kaduna,” the Al-Kholood defender shared online. “79 appearances, 5 big tournaments, 3 medals. Becoming captain is one of my proudest moments. No dream is too big. This is what I was made for. Every day, I’m working to be better. Always grateful.”