Nigeria Super Eagles Fight Back From 3-1 Down to Draw Russia 3-3

The Super Eagles recovered from 3-1 down to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

Despite fielding a depleted and heavily rotated side, Nigeria showed character to fight back in the second half and earn a share of the spoils.

Head Coach Éric Chelle handed international debuts to five players in the starting XI, while nine players made their Super Eagles debut during the match.

Only six players in Nigeria’s starting lineup had previously represented the three-time African champions: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene and Aderemi Adeoye.

Iheanacho gives Nigeria early lead

Nigeria made a strong start and took the lead in the 11th minute through returning forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho received a precise pass from Abdullahi Bewene on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a left-footed strike into the top corner.

The goal was Iheanacho’s 15th international goal for Nigeria.

Russia responded in the 30th minute through Lechi Sadulaev, before Matvey Kislyak put the hosts ahead in first-half added time.

Russia therefore went into the break leading 2-1.

Russia extend advantage

The hosts increased their lead nine minutes into the second half when Aleksey Miranchuk made it 3-1.

With Nigeria trailing by two goals, Chelle turned to his bench as the Super Eagles searched for a way back into the match.

The changes brought greater urgency to Nigeria’s attack.

Umar Abdullahi came close to reducing the deficit in the 73rd minute after winning possession high up the pitch following strong work from Isaac James.

Five minutes later, Nigeria found their second goal.

Edokpolor scores on debut

Peter Edokpolor, 19, made an immediate impact after coming off the bench.

The debutant drove through the Russian defence before firing an unstoppable strike past the goalkeeper in the 78th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2.

Nigeria continued to push forward.

Chelle introduced Vince Osuji for Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute as the Super Eagles sought an equaliser.

Late equaliser completes comeback

Nigeria’s pressure finally paid off in the fourth minute of added time.

Emmanuel Fernandez initiated a quick counter-attack with a header from the back, finding Abdullahi Bewene.

Bewene then squared the ball intelligently for substitute Akor Adams, who finished to make it 3-3.

The late equaliser completed Nigeria’s comeback from 3-1 down.

The NFF described the performance as a display of grit, character and commitment from a youthful Super Eagles side.

Full-time

🇷🇺 Russia 3-3 Nigeria 🇳🇬

⚽️ 11’ Kelechi Iheanacho 🇳🇬
⚽️ 30’ Lechi Sadulaev 🇷🇺
⚽️ 45+2’ Matvey Kislyak 🇷🇺
⚽️ 54’ Aleksey Miranchuk 🇷🇺
⚽️ 78’ Peter Edokpolor 🇳🇬
⚽️ 90+4’ Akor Adams 🇳🇬

The draw capped an eventful night for Nigeria’s new generation, with nine players making their Super Eagles debut and Edokpolor marking his first appearance with a goal.