Arokodare Rescues Nigeria From Defeat Against Russia
Tolu Arokodare scored his first goal for the Super Eagles to rescue the team from defeat against Russia in a 1-1 draw on Friday.
Eric Chelle opted for a starting eleven of Maduka Okoye in goal with William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi in front of him, while Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel were the fullbacks.
In the midfield, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika provided the steel, while the trio of Moses Simon, Chrisantus Uche, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were tasked with providing support for Victor Boniface in attack.
The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute when Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi diverted a cross into his own net to send the home supporters into wild jubilation.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Victor Boniface, took advantage of a mistake by the Russian goalkeeper to tap into an empty net for his first Super Eagles goal.
The result ended Russia’s eight-match winning run, while it was Eric Chelle’s third draw in five matches in charge of the Super Eagles.
He led the team to the Unity Cup in London last month with a 2-1 victory over Ghana before playing out a 2-2 draw against Jamaica in regulation time. The Super Eagles emerged victorious in the penalty shootout.
Arokodare made his Super Eagles debut against Rwanda in March; he will be hoping to keep his place in the team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
The Super Eagles will take on South Africa and Rwanda in September in a bid to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Arokodare Rescues Nigeria From Defeat Against Russia is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
