African heavyweights Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa settled for draws on Friday as they continued preparations for their vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns, which resume in September.
In Moscow, Nigeria played a 1-1 stalemate with Russia, with substitute Tolu Arokodare netting his maiden goal for the Super Eagles. Russia took the lead in the 27th minute when defender Semi Ajayi inadvertently diverted a low cross past his goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye.
The equaliser came in the 71st minute after a major error from Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, currently the second choice at Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. His misjudged short pass was intercepted by Arokodare, who calmly slotted home.
The match was Nigeria's final fixture in a trio of warm-up games. They previously clinched the Unity Cup in London with a 2-1 victory over Ghana and a penalty shootout win against Jamaica following a 2-2 draw.
Russia, still banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, has instead continued to face non-European sides in friendlies. Earlier this year, they thrashed Zambia 5-0 in Moscow.