Russia 3-3 Nigeria: Super Eagles stage stunning comeback in six-goal thriller
Nigeria recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Russia, with Kelechi Iheanacho, debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams finding the net in a dramatic comeback.
The Super Eagles produced a spirited second-half recovery to draw 3-3 with Russia in an entertaining international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6.
Nigeria went into the game looking for a response after suffering a damaging 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The friendly also provided Eric Chelle with an opportunity to assess several new players after injuries, withdrawals and club-release issues disrupted his squad.
Kelechi Iheanacho marked his return to international football in impressive fashion, opening the scoring after just 10 minutes. The forward exchanged passes with Abdullahi Bewene before producing a composed finish from outside the penalty area.
Russia, who had entered the match after a 6-0 victory over Namibia, quickly recovered from the early setback.
Russia turn the game around
Lechii Sadulayev restored parity around the half-hour mark following an error from Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez before Matvey Kislyak completed the hosts’ turnaround shortly before half-time.
Nigeria found themselves in an even more difficult position shortly after the restart when Aleksey Miranchuk capitalised on defensive uncertainty to make it 3-1.
The situation was particularly challenging for Chelle, who had been forced to work with a heavily reshuffled squad during the international window.
However, the Super Eagles refused to collapse.
Edokpolor sparks Nigeria comeback
Chelle’s introduction of Peter Edokpolor proved decisive as the Benfica youngster made an immediate impact on his senior debut.
The midfielder won possession before advancing towards the Russian penalty area and unleashing a shot that took a deflection on its way into the net, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
The goal gave Nigeria renewed belief and shifted the momentum towards the visitors.
Akor Adams then completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, finding the net in the fourth minute of added time to deny Russia victory and secure a 3-3 draw.
The result gives Chelle’s side some encouragement after the disappointment in Guinea-Bissau, although Nigeria still face a difficult road in their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Guinea-Bissau currently lead Group L after winning their opening two matches, while Tanzania, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, will face Nigeria in a crucial November double-header.
CAF’s qualification format means only the highest-placed non-host nation advances from groups containing one of the three co-hosts.
Nigeria will therefore need to carry the fighting spirit shown against Russia into those competitive fixtures.
