'Very strong and skilled' - Russia left-back lauds Super Eagles ahead of October 6 friendly

CKSA Moscow's Russia left-back Danil Krugovoy has praised the Super Eagles ahead of next week's international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod.

Russia and Nigeria previously met at the Luzhniki Stadium, with the two sides playing out a 1-1 draw, after Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to cancel out Semi Ajayi's own goal.

In the 27th minute, Danil Krugovoy whipped a dangerous cross into the Nigerian penalty area, with Ajayi inadvertently turning the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger.

The Super Eagles head into the friendly against Russia after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, with Franculino, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló getting on the scoresheet for the hosts. 

Krugovoy is looking forward to the meeting with Nigeria, and also highlighted the quality of the three-time African champions.

Speaking to TASS, he stated: "This training camp, we'll have two interesting matches out of three—against Iran and Nigeria.

"Of course, expectations are high. It doesn't matter who our opponents are or aren't.

"Speaking of Nigeria, they're still a very strong and skilled team, especially since we've already played them at Luzhniki, drawing 1-1."

When asked to name the toughest opponent he has played against as part of the national team, Krugovoy responded:  "The Egyptian national team, when we visited them. And probably the match against the Nigerian national team, if you count the games I played in."

Isaac James, Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez, who were unused in Nigeria's two Afcon qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, have been included in the squad for the trip to Russia. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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