NIZHNY NOVGOROD — The Super Eagles fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly on Tuesday night.
Nigeria took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho in the 11th minute, but the hosts responded with two goals before half-time before Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia’s advantage to 3-1 shortly after the restart.
The Super Eagles, however, produced a strong late response.
Nineteen-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the comeback in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Adams converted after a swift counter-attack involving Emmanuel Fernandez and Umar Abdullahi to secure the draw for Eric Chelle’s side.
Chelle made several changes to the team, handing nine players their international debuts as he assessed his squad following Nigeria’s recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The friendly also provided opportunities for several players who were not regular starters for the national team.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their next competitive assignment, a double-header against Tanzania in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in November.
