'Bailed out the boys' - Russian-born Super Eagles star raves about Maduka Okoye and Olusegun's impact

Russian-born Super Eagles defender Brian Idowu has heaped praise on goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and debutant Olakunle Olusegun following Nigeria's hard-fought 1-1 draw against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday evening.

Russia broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Nigerian centre-back Semi Ajayi turned the ball into his own net under pressure, handing the hosts an advantage.

The Super Eagles hit back in the 71st minute thanks to Tolu Arokodare, who showed great composure and leveled matters with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner after a goalkeeping error.

Russia forced goalkeeper Okoye into a series of impressive saves, most notably from Batrakov's curling shot and Barinov's late header. 

Speaking after the match, Idowu, who was born in St. Petersburg, believes the Super Eagles were fortunate to avoid defeat, crediting Okoye for keeping Nigeria in the game.

Okoye's composed performance under pressure stood out in what was otherwise a tough evening for Nigeria's backline.

"I think Russia played better and deserved the victory more," Idowu told Match TV.

"At the end, the Russians actually had more scoring chances, but their execution let them down a bit and Maduka Okoye saved and bailed out the boys very well. At the end, there were some fights and moments."

Idowu also singled out FC Krasnodar forward Olakunle Olusegun, who made his senior debut off the bench in the second half.

"Eric Chelle, when he released Olusegun for his debut, set him up as if he was going to war, not a friendly game.

"No one wanted to lose, regardless of the fact that it was a friendly," Idowu noted.

Brian Idowu, a member of Nigeria's squad at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, is best remembered for making an immediate impact on his international debut, scoring just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in a high-profile friendly against Argentina.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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