Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has revealed that Nigeria had to dig deep to hold off a strong Russian side in their international friendly on Friday night.
The match, played at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Okoye making several vital saves to ensure the Super Eagles avoided defeat.
Reflecting on the contest, the Udinese goalkeeper admitted that the Russians posed a serious challenge.
“The Russian team showed a very high level. We had to give it our all to play on equal terms with your team. I think it was a great match for the fans,” he told Match TV.
Okoye also shared his thoughts on the playing conditions and the atmosphere in the stadium.
“The balls were a little easier than usual,” he noted.
“But overall, everything was fine. I really liked the atmosphere at the stadium.”
Despite the pressure from the hosts, Nigeria held their ground, thanks largely to Okoye’s composed performance between the sticks.
