JOHANNESBURG: African powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa all drew on Friday in warm-up matches for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers from September.

Tolu Arokodare came off the bench in the second half to score his first goal for Nigeria, who drew 1-1 with Russia in Moscow.

Ismaila Sarr, a FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace last month, brought Senegal level in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

South Africa were unable to maximise home advantage over Tanzania and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in northern city Polokwane.

Nigeria and South Africa, who will clash in a key World Cup qualifier during September, finished second and third in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal won the previous edition.

In Moscow, an own-goal by Semi Ajayi, who deflected a low cross past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, gave Russia a 27th-minute lead.