Russian - Nigerian defender Brian Idwou was pleased with the 1 - 1 draw against Zenit St Petersburg and also expressed his happiness that his mother, friends and girlfriend were among the 16,480 spectators at Stadion Petrovskij.

The 23 - year - old is enjoying a new lease of life this season and has started 6 games in the Russian Premier League, the most starts he has had in the championship since he turned professional.

“ Today,  my mother, friends and girlfriend came to support me in Petersbrug. It was nice that they all looked at my game,” Idowu told championat.com.

“In St. Petersburg, I am always happy to play. Here is a good stadium, good fans and the field is excellent.”

Asked if the players would get extra incentives for drawing against the defending champions, Idowu replied :  Bonuses will be like for any game, nobody promised extra. Everything is as usual.”

Born in St Petersburg, Idowu represented the youth team of Zenit before transferring to Amkar Perm in 2010.

Photo Credit : fc-amkar.org