So, from everything I've seen, friendlies like Russia vs Nigeria are actually super useful, way beyond just random practice. Coaches use these matches to test new players, mess with lineups, and try out strategies that might be too risky in a competitive game. Like with this game, Nigeria started Tolu Arokodare and he ended up scoring. That's huge, because now they know he can handle big moments.

For Russia, it's similar. Friendlies let them see which players fit with the team and who needs more time. These games also help younger players get used to playing in front of big crowds against tough opponents. It's not about the final score so much, but more about building a team that’s ready for real tournaments, like the World Cup or AFCON.

In my experience watching friendlies, I’ve noticed that the most exciting lineups or crazy substitutions happen here. It's their chance to make mistakes and learn from them, without crazy pressure. So yeah, they might not get a trophy, but these matches totally help both teams get better for when it really counts!