Nigeria fought back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Russia in an entertaining international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, recovering from a 3-1 deficit with a debut goal from Peter Edokpolor and a stoppage-time equaliser from Akor Adams.
The Super Eagles appeared destined for another defeat after Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia’s advantage early in the second half, but Edokpolor reduced the deficit before Adams struck in the fourth minute of added time to complete a dramatic comeback.
It was a spirited response from a Nigeria side that arrived in Russia with a heavily depleted squad following seven withdrawals caused by injuries, club restrictions and a residence permit problem.
The result also gave Eric Chelle the kind of competitive examination he wanted for several younger players after Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Iheanacho marks return with a goal
Nigeria made the better start and took the lead after 10 minutes through Kelechi Iheanacho, who marked his return to the Super Eagles with an impressive finish.
The forward exchanged passes with Abdullahi Bewene before creating space outside the penalty area and sending a fine effort into the near post.
It was Iheanacho’s first appearance for Nigeria since the 2025 Unity Cup tournament and an encouraging start to his return to the international setup.
Russia gradually grew into the game, however, and equalised in the 30th minute through Lechi Sadulayev.
The hosts then completed the turnaround just before half-time when Matvey Kislyak finished a well-worked passing move to send Russia into the break 2-1 ahead.
Nigeria had competed well for periods of the opening half, but Russia’s ability to move the ball quickly exposed gaps as the game progressed.
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The hosts strengthened their position nine minutes after the restart when Miranchuk made it 3-1.
Nigeria’s defence struggled to deal with the move, allowing the Russia forward to capitalise and give the hosts what looked like a decisive advantage.
With the Super Eagles needing a response, Chelle began turning to the younger players on his bench.
The Nigeria coach had stressed before kick-off that the disruption to his squad could provide an opportunity for less-established players to demonstrate that they belonged at international level.
Edokpolor makes instant impression on debut
Peter Edokpolor who plays for Benfica B team in Portugal was introduced in the 70th minute for his international debut, and the youngster needed only eight minutes to make his mark.
Edokpolor won possession in midfield before driving forward and unleashing a shot that took a deflection on its way into the net.
The goal reduced Russia’s lead to 3-2 and suddenly gave Nigeria belief that a comeback was possible.
The Super Eagles pushed forward in the closing stages as Russia attempted to protect their advantage.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Akor Adams completed the recovery.
The forward reacted to Umar Abubakar’s involvement in the move and struck in the fourth minute of added time to make it 3-3.
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The comeback does not erase the concerns raised by the defeat in Guinea-Bissau, but it gives Chelle an encouraging response from a squad that was significantly different from the one originally planned for this international window.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi was ruled out after suffering a knock in Bissau, while Raphael Onyedika, Moses Usor, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ridwan Abdulrasaq Popoola were prevented from travelling by their clubs. Victory Akpe was also injured, while Suleiman Mubarak could not travel because of a residence permit issue.
Those absences left Nigeria with an 18-man squad and forced Chelle to introduce players with limited international experience.
The coach had challenged the younger members of his group to show what they could do against a Russian side that entered the match in excellent form, having won their previous four games and scored 14 goals without conceding.
Nigeria ultimately conceded three of those goals but responded with three of their own.
The draw also preserves Nigeria’s unbeaten record against Russia after the nations had played out a 1-1 draw in their first meeting in Moscow in June 2025.
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The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with a doubleheader against Tanzania awaiting them in November.
Nigeria have little room for further mistakes after the defeat in Guinea-Bissau left them on three points, three behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
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