Day: June 7, 2025

Nigeria's Super Eagles come from behind to draw with Russia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Super Eagles come from behind to draw with Russia

The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow feeling confident after winning the Unity Cup in west London last week. They were able to secure a 1-1 result even without several key players, such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina.

These absences gave chances to players like Victor Boniface and Christantus Uche, but Tolu Arokodare stood out the most. He has now shown that he deserves to start in the important World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa later this year.

The hosts took the lead just before the half-hour mark through an unfortunate own goal by Semi Ajayi, who redirected Danil Krugovoy’s cross into his own net.

In the 71st minute, Nigeria’s Arokodare seized a moment of carelessness from Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, collecting a poor pass and scoring with a low shot.

Despite facing more Russian attacks, Nigeria held on for a draw, but their overall performance was disappointing.

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia all register wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia register wins

On Friday, African national teams were busy testing their prowess during the June FIFA window. While some top teams played in Europe, several matches between African teams took place in Morocco.

In Morocco, Cameroon, Niger, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic all won their matches. In Marrakech, Cameroon beat Uganda 3-0.

Cameroon scored through set pieces. Flavien Boyomo and Jean Batoum scored their first goals for the team with headers from corner kicks. Patrick Soko also scored his first goal for the national team, assisted by captain Vincent Aboubakar.

Earlier, Gambia beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Marrakech, with both goals from Adama Sidibeh. Gambia will face Uganda next, while Equatorial Guinea will play Cameroon on Monday in Morocco.

In Casablanca, Niger faced Gabon in an exciting match that ended 4-3 in favor of Niger. Youssouf Oumarou and Oumar Sako each scored, and Daniel Sosah added two goals. Jim Allevinah, Andre Biyogho Poko, and Guelor Kanga scored for Gabon.

In Mohammedia, Burkina Faso bounced back from a recent loss to defeat Zimbabwe 2-0. New signing Stephane Aziz Ki scored first in the 22nd minute, followed by Cyriaque Irie, who scored just before halftime.

Burundi achieved a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Casablanca, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring the only goal from a cross.

In another match, the Central African Republic came from behind to defeat Mauritania. Hemeya Tanjy scored a penalty for Mauritania, but Gabriel Oualengbe equalized, and Paul Guinari scored the winner in stoppage time.

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