Belgian Pro League top scorer Tolu Arokodare has opened his scoring account with the Super Eagles, scoring the equaliser as Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw with Russia in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday.
Super Eagles boss, Eric Chelle, made a raft of changes from the Unity Cup final win over Jamaica, with the likes of captain William Troost-Ekong, Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, and Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru named in the starting line-up.
Despite a stronger line-up in Moscow for Nigeria, it was Russia that broke the deadlock after 27 minutes of the match when Danil Krugovoy drove in from the right and drilled a ball into the box which went into goal off Nigeria’s defender, Semi Ajayi.
Nigeria recovered after the break and struck back in the 71st minute through Arokodare, a half-time substitute for Boniface, as the tall Genk striker reacted quickest to a bad pass from Russia and PSG goalkeeper, Matvei Safonov, to score.
Okoye made a solid save to keep Nigeria level as the three-time African champions held on to end their run of games during this international break undefeated with two wins and a draw.