Nigeria produced a spirited comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly on Tuesday night.
The Super Eagles entered the match determined to respond positively after last week’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria the perfect start, marking his return to the national team with a superb long-range strike that put Eric Chelle’s side ahead.
Russia, however, responded strongly and took control of the contest. Goals from Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak turned the game around before the break, handing the hosts a 2-1 advantage.
The Russians extended their lead after the restart through Aleksei Miranchuk, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb.
Rather than surrender, the Super Eagles showed character and resilience to fight their way back into the game.
Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit to revive Nigeria’s hopes before Akor Adams completed the comeback with the equaliser.
The result ensured the three-time African champions avoided a second consecutive defeat and ended the international window on a more encouraging note.
The match also provided several of the newer faces in Chelle’s squad with valuable international experience as the coach continues to assess his options ahead of future assignments.
Nigeria will now shift attention back to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with the draw offering some positives despite the defensive lapses that allowed Russia to score three times.
