Russia’s head coach, Valery Karpin, has hailed Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles as a superior facet in comparison with Zambia and Kenya following their thrilling 1-1 worldwide pleasant in Moscow on Friday night time, Soccernet.ng reviews.
The match, performed on the iconic Luzhniki Stadium, drew record-breaking attendance and marked the first-ever senior worldwide assembly between Russia and Nigeria.
The fixture additionally introduced an finish to Russia’s eight-game profitable streak, which had included a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in March 2025.
Karpin, talking after the sport, admitted that Nigeria posed a higher problem than a number of different African nations his crew had just lately confronted — together with Kenya and Zambia — whom Russia performed and beat in late 2023.
What Karpin stated of the Tremendous Eagles
“They (African groups) are all very athletic, highly effective, sturdy groups,” Karpin stated.
“Cameroon and Nigeria are considerably increased in degree than Zambia and Kenya. Even the FIFA ranking confirms this. They can’t be in contrast. Nigeria and Cameroon are extra fascinating.”
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Regardless of the consequence, the Russian coach was happy along with his crew’s efficiency in opposition to a facet he clearly respects, noting that Nigeria created few clear-cut possibilities throughout the sport.
“Completely every little thing: from the urgent to… I am unable to keep in mind a single second, aside from the error throughout the throw-in. Do you keep in mind? Possibly I simply forgot,” Karpin stated when requested what stood out positively.
“They did not create threats for us, however we created moments. Melehin’s – after a free kick, Barinov’s – after popping out of protection. The aim we conceded can hardly be referred to as created by Nigeria — there wasn’t even any urgent there.”
Russia had beforehand overwhelmed Cameroon 1-0 in October 2023 earlier than drawing 2-2 with Kenya later that month, a consequence that began their profitable momentum till Nigeria as soon as once more disrupted their run.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its skills, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, id, and soccer.