The Super Eagles staged a dramatic late comeback to force Russia to a 3-3 draw in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, with debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams finding the net for Nigeria in the second half, Naijafooty.com reports.
Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 10th minute, capitalising on a pass from Abdullahi Bewene before firing beyond the Russian goalkeeper to give Eric Chelle’s experimental side an early lead.
Russia responded strongly and levelled through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute before Matvey Kislyak put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time. The Russians extended their advantage nine minutes after the restart when Aleksey Miranchuk struck to make it 3-1.
Nigeria refused to surrender despite trailing by two goals, and Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute on his Super Eagles debut. The Benfica defender’s goal gave the visitors renewed belief and set up a frantic finish in Nizhny Novgorod.
Adams then completed the comeback deep into added time, scoring in the 94th minute to earn Nigeria a share of the spoils and deny Russia what appeared to be a comfortable victory.
The draw provides Chelle’s side with a morale boost after Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture. It also offered the coach an opportunity to assess several less-experienced players in a squad weakened by seven withdrawals ahead of the encounter.
