Tolu Arokodare opened his goals account for the Super Eagles in their 1-1 draw with Russia in Friday’s international friendly match.
Arokodare, who came on in the second half took advantage of an error by the Russian goalkeeper to equalise for the Super Eagles after Semi Ajayi’s first half own goal had given the host the lead.
Russia went into the game against the Super Eagles on the back of a 5-0 win against another African team Zambia in March, which took their winning run to eight matches on the bounce.
For the Super Eagles, they were recently crowned champions of the Unity Cup after defeating Jamaica 5-4 on penalty shootout after 90 minutes ended 2-2.
Coach Eric Chelle made changes to his starting line-up with Maduka Okoye in goal, Bright Osayi-Samuel, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence.
The mdfield was made up of Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Chrisantus Uche while the forward had Moses Simon, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Victor Boniface.
Also Read: Unuanel: Chelle Has Given More Opportunities To NPFL Players In Eagles
There was a Super Eagles debut for Olakunke Olusegun, who plays for Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League.
Russia bossed the early exchanges and went close to scoring in the 18th minute but Ajayi headed away a dangerous cross for a corner.
The Russians almost scored from the corner but Onyemaechi made a timely clearance as the ball was about to fall kindly to an opponent who was waiting to slot into an empty net.
In the 27th minute Russia’s positive start was eventually rewarded as one of their player beat Osayi-Samuel for pace on the left side of their attack, and was lucky to see his cutback cross come off Ajayi and ended inside the back of the net.
With five minutes left to play in the first half Dele-Bashiru had the Super Eagles first big chance as he raced towards goal, came one-on-one with the keeper but saw his left-foot strike palmed away for a corner kick.
In the 53rd minute Boniface nodded a cross by Uche straight into the waiting arms of the Russian goalkeeper.
Ajayi almost atoned for his own goal as he connected with the ball inside the box from a cross but the keeper made a save.
Arokodare then made it 1-1 on 71 minutes as he intercepted a poor pass by the Russian keeper before slotting into the net.
Just three minutes later Russia almost retook the lead but Okoye went full stretch to palm away a low shot before gathering the rebound.
Okoye was called to action again in the 87th minute, stretching to tip a goal-bound strike away for a corner.
Just few minutes later the Russians went on the attack but the effort struck the cross bar.
By James Agberebi
12 Comments
It was a good game and Super Eagles gave a good account of themselves. Eric Chelle should be allowed to continue the rebuilding of this team. However, the Coach should take second look at Moses Simon’s game. He is not contributing any meaning contribution to the game. The Coach should begin to look for suitable substitute to challenge him for that position just like the the case of all other departments of the team. I love Eric Chelle, keep up the good work and I pray God grant you more success.
Gbam!!!
@Olabode Samuel. God bless you for this comment. I was so shocked that they left him in the game for the whole 90 minutes.
It’s clear that we miss chukwueze dessers….
Boniface should stay away from the se… he should just face club football and content creation….
Arokorode still gat more work to do…he can’t bamboozle us with that goal from a keeper error…thats not enough….we need a third choice striker fast…
Overall it was a boring game from the se perspective…the attack had no bite…its obvious since its that dull Boniface spear heading it….imagine in the whole of first half no shot on goal or even on target…
Couldn’t watch the second half in full tho…was busy
It’s like we now have correct coach that can bring out the best from Super Eagles.
At this point, there is nothing left in Boniface arsenal to expect, dude is a waste of space in super eagles. Abi nah me no sabi watch ball well?
Zero aggressive play, Zero dribble, Zero duel won and Zero pass accuracy. Can’t even put opposition defender on their toes. Just lucky to have 1 shot on target. I personally think Boniface sabi play, he no just want to be patriotic for super eagles.
Kudos to my boy Arokodinho, more to come
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles, since his appointment, have adopted a diamond midfield formation that has brought a distinct tactical identity—one focused on central domination, quick interplay, and layered progression through the middle. From the World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to the Unity Cup fixtures against Ghana and Jamaica, and today’s friendly against Russia, Nigeria’s attacking rhythm has consistently come through the central channels, with well-timed runs from the No. 10 (Chukwueze was exceptional in this role at the Unity Cup) and clever movements from the two strikers.
Many of their goals have been the result of quick combinations that begin from a deep-lying playmaker and are finished off by forwards who thrive on tight central spaces.
However, while this setup has enabled the team to score with regularity, (8 already now in 5 matches under Eric Chelle), it has also exposed a glaring tactical weakness—defensive vulnerability on the wings. A striking pattern has emerged: almost every goal conceded by Nigeria under Chelle has come from crosses delivered from wide areas, often after opposition players found ample space to operate on the flanks.
This recurring weakness is structurally embedded in the diamond formation Nigeria employs. The formation, typically a 4-1-2-1-2, is naturally narrow, with no wingers and an overload in central areas. While this allows Chelle’s midfielders to dictate the tempo and impose numerical superiority through the middle, it leaves the flanks largely unguarded. The full-backs are expected to provide all the width both offensively and defensively, a demanding responsibility that often leaves them overextended.
Against Jamaica for example, Nigeria’s right-back was pulled too far forward on several occasions, leaving acres of space in behind for their dangerous left winger to exploit. A similar pattern was evident against Ghana and Russia, where diagonal switches and overlapping runs created 2v1 scenarios against Nigerian full-backs, leading to well-delivered crosses into the box that exposed the central defenders.
Furthermore, the central midfielders in the diamond—usually tasked with linking play and pressing high—are often too far from the touchlines to provide effective cover when the ball is played wide. The defensive midfielder remains central, screening the backline, while the attacking midfielders push higher to support the attack. This spacing leaves the full-backs isolated in wide defensive duels, and the center-backs are often forced to shift wide to cover gaps, pulling them out of position and opening space in the box for opposing attackers to target.
Opponents seem to have now recognized this tactical loophole. Chelle’s Super Eagles have found themselves repeatedly exposed by teams who play with high and wide wingers or overlapping full-backs. In the match against Ghana, for instance, Nigeria conceded a goal after the Black Stars worked the ball down the left flank, delivered an uncontested cross, and found an unmarked runner ghosting between the center-backs. Russia adopted a similar strategy in the today’s friendly, exploiting the flanks with precision, knowing that the central compactness of Nigeria’s shape would leave them vulnerable outside.
To address this recurring issue, Chelle must either adapt the structure of the diamond or introduce specific tactical adjustments to reduce exposure on the flanks. One immediate solution is to ask one of the two attacking midfielders to regularly drift wide in defensive transitions, effectively forming a temporary 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 defensive block, which adds width and protects the full-backs. This requires a high level of tactical discipline and fitness, but it’s achievable with the right personnel. Another adjustment would be to delay the forward runs of full-backs, especially when both are pushing up simultaneously. Having one full-back hold a deeper line while the other joins the attack can maintain better defensive balance.
Alternatively, Chelle might consider modifying the formation to a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, especially against teams that play with strong wing presence. A 4-3-3 allows for natural width with wingers who can drop back to form a midfield five when out of possession, protecting the flanks more effectively. A 3-5-2, on the other hand, utilizes wing-backs who are tactically trained to shuttle up and down the flanks, offering both width in attack and defensive solidity against wide threats.
Additionally, the Super Eagles must improve their positional awareness during defensive transitions. Too often, the team is caught with their full-backs upfield, and the midfield unable to cover the wide spaces quickly enough. Emphasizing quick recovery runs and better spatial discipline—especially from the midfielders—can help reduce the time and space opponents enjoy out wide.
Finally, Chelle must instill a better understanding of zonal marking inside the box, particularly when defending crosses. Several of the goals conceded came from poor marking—either too ball-focused or too reactive to the crosser—leading to attackers finding pockets of space in the box. A hybrid marking system that combines tight central marking with alert tracking of runners from wide positions could stem the flow of conceded goals.
While Eric Chelle’s diamond formation has fostered a fluid and incisive Nigerian attack, its narrowness has left the team repeatedly exposed on the flanks. Without structural adjustments or improved tactical discipline, opponents will continue to target this vulnerability. To progress against higher-quality opposition, Chelle must evolve the system to balance attacking fluency with defensive solidity, particularly by addressing the systemic weakness to wide attacks and crosses.
Good performance, though
Okoye should be the man of the match today…
He saved us multiple times…
I think we’re in save hands with him and Nwabali,
Nwabali really have to tune down some of his gragra abi oversabi sha… He should be more focused, something Okoye showed today…
I wasn’t too impressed with Osayi and Boniface … the rest were impressive…
Beautiful game overall, I enjoyed myself…
Lessons learnt from today’s game with Russia:
1.
3-5-2 remains the answer. We sadly do not have the materials for a 4 man defensive set up…..at least not yet….unless we just want to continue taking risks game after game
2.
Our players are at best average and unintelligent. Apart from Osimhen and maybe Alex Iwobi, there seems to be no one we can bank on to wave something off the books in order to get us out of tight situations. Little wonder teams like Benin, Zimbabwe and Rwanda have become very difficult for us to defeat in recent times. I am begining to think some of these guys are good in their clubs because the have players of higher quality and footballing IQ to play with or ride on. But collectively in national colours, they lack footballing initiative.
3.
Zero Creativity and lack of ideas in the final 3rd. We always looked confused and brain-stalled in attack, lacking in ideas and bereft of know-how. We barely created any clear cut scoring chances of our own all game long. Only clowns will still say Iwobi has no business in the SE.
4.
Boniface has played himself out of the SE. I don’t think even onuachu played a dozen matches for the SE without any meaningful contribution. That is the story of Victor Boniface in his now shortlived SE career. With Dessers and Arokodare showing more hunger and tenacity in national colours, Boniface should bid farewell to a starting shirt in the SE ever again. It will take a depletion of monumental proportions to hand him a starters shirt again. Lets all join hands to say so long to the Jonathan akpoborie of this generation.
5.
Chelle has got a lot of work to do. He was seriously exposed by Russia today. The team lacked ideas defending as much as they lacked ideas going forward. For a Russian team that has lacked competition for years now, today’s tasteless performance isn’t acceptable. From a tactical point of view, Mr Eric needs to up his game. We will be meeting Hugo Broos and his highly tactical, technical and Pacy Bafanas in a must win match in Johannesburg come September. Chelle has to roll up those sleeves and go buy a thinking cap from wherever it is sold before then.
6.
Why were our players playing or looking or acting so inferior to the Russians….? We barely could keep the ball at our feet and place passes without jitters. Russia even beat us to our physicality game. If we shiver this much vs Russia what we gonna go vs Germany or Spain…?
7.
We need more refined full backs than Onyemaechi and Osayi. I for one love my full backs to be intelligent ball players and neat tacklers….those two are none of that. Can we please have Bassey eased back to LB and find another deputy for Aina at RB pls.
8.
Zonal Marking is a No No. At least in the last decade, we have not done well with zonal marking when defending set pieces. It was our albatross under Keshi and it’s still now under Chelle. We just don’t seem to have players who are intelligent enough to understand the fundamental kinematics required to implement zonal marking. Pls let us go back to “hol 1 man” of the days of yore.
9.
Our players are too static…..physically, tactically, intellectually. They suddenly forget how to run into space, fill pockets, make diagonal or reverse runs whenever they are in national colours. Can something be done about this pls…a little fluidity does not kill.
10.
We can’t run for 90mins. I don’t know why….be we can’t seem to run for 90mins. The 75th minute upwards has suddenly become our “fertile period” where teams can knock off our defenses with the simplest romantic moves around our 18yrd box. Ladan Bosso probably has one or two things to teach the SE in terms of “lasting long” on the pitch.
“Apart from Osimhen and maybe Alex Iwobi, there seems to be no one we can bank on to wave something off the books in order to get us out of tight situations. ”
I laugh when I read people say Iwobi should be dropped. Perhaps because on the surface, he kind of looks physically refined and fragile and is just not that typical rough African player that tries to break the opponent’s legs.
This team, plus the one at the Unity Cup, simply lacked a creative spark in the middle. Someone that can split defences with intelligent passes in the final third. That’s Iwobi. He may not be his uncle, but he’s the closest we’ve had since Jay Jay left. Plus his play style is even more purposeful than JJ’s.
Simon is just too predictable with less than 20% success rate. Chukwueze is also an asset when it comes to killer passes, but he is totally fixed on his left leg, meaning he gets cut off often. So the SE becomes blunt trying to penetrate the opponent’s 18 and start passing back.
In the front, you always need an Osimhen in that box to pick up those Iwobi-sque passes and finish it off. He just needs a half chance to score or cause a penalty. Same with Dessers. But Boniface wants to be one-on-one with the goalkeeper before you can count on him to score. Even at that, he may miss the goal.
Thank God, Chelle has given everyone a chance, so he has a clear picture of those to pick and those to drop off for the August/September qualifiers. But surely, you want a miracle in those 2 games? Then, these players must be available:
– Osimhen
-Lookman
– Dessers
-Iwobi
-Onyeka
-Bashiru
– Aina
-Bassey
-Uche
-Okoye
-Nwabal
I don’t care if any of the others is injured or unavailable and replaced. Just ensure these 11 are on that list.
Following the Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Russia in Friday’s friendly encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, deo appraises the performance of the players.
1. Okoye: Pulled off at least 3 great saves by deploying a variety of credible goalkeeping techniques.
Rating: Impressive.
2. Onyemaechi: Delivered a number of tantalising crosses in a performance peppered with attacking intent and defensive credibility.
Rating: Acceptable.
3. Ajayi: Exuded maturity and calmness and struck a workable partnership with Ekong.
Rating: Respectable.
4. Ekong: Brought priceless leadership to the backline with effective communication, great positioning and decent touches.
Rating: Respectable.
5. Osayi-Samuel: As busy as bee but less influential offensively whilst left out to dry by his colleagues for Russia’s goal.
Rating: Average.
6. Onyedika: Put his body on the line when it mattered and supported the structure of the midfield with movements and passes.
Rating: Decent.
7. Dele-Bashiru: Held the ball well as a right winger and produced a neat shot at goal.
Rating: Decent.
8. Uche: Helped to transition from defence to attack with effective link up play and purposeful passes.
Rating: Nice.
9. Simon: Huffed and puffed on the flanks with dribbles that led nowhere as he was double marked.
Rating: Manageable.
10. Boniface: Heavy touches and runs that lacked conviction. He didn’t hustle enough.
Rating: Worrying.
11. Onyeka: Never one to shy away from doing the dirty work.
Rating: Solid.
Subs.
12. Arokodare: Showed Boniface hustle and bustle have rewards by stealing the ball to stab home for his first international goal.
Rating: Effective.
13. Olusegun: Perhaps a bit too eager to impress after choosing to sprint into opposition box 18 whereas other calmer options were available.
Rating: Exuberant.
14. Ogbu: Played his part to ensure it remained 1:1.
Rating: Professional.
Coach Chelle: Used a makeshift squad to extract a highly respectable 1:1 draw in a match he took less risks with the starting 11.
Rating: Impressive.