Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced one of the most extraordinary comebacks of Eric Chelle’s tenure on Tuesday in their international friendly match against Russia, Naijafooty.com reports.
The three-time African champions clawed their way back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles a dream start after only 10 minutes, drilling a left-footed effort beyond Aleksandr Maksimenko after Abdullahi Bewene’s assist.
The early goal appeared to settle Nigeria, but Russia gradually seized control. Lechi Sadulaev levelled in the 30th minute before Matvey Kislyak struck in first-half stoppage time to turn the game on its head.
Alexey Miranchuk then appeared to have delivered the decisive blow in the 54th minute, extending Russia’s advantage to 3-1 and exposing some of the defensive problems that had haunted Nigeria during their 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Yet Nigeria refused to fold. Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute on his senior international debut, giving the Super Eagles a lifeline.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Akor Adams finished a counter-attack in the 90+4th minute to complete a stunning rescue mission and preserve a 3-3 draw.
1. Iheanacho’s return gives Chelle another option
Kelechi Iheanacho marked his return to the Super Eagles with an early goal, reminding coach Eric Chelle of the qualities he can bring to the attack.
The forward’s 10th-minute strike gave Nigeria an ideal start and ended a lengthy wait for an international goal. His return could now create another selection headache for Chelle, particularly with Nigeria needing more consistency in front of goal.
2. Defensive problems remain a concern
Nigeria’s comeback should not hide the defensive weaknesses exposed during the encounter.
Russia scored three times, with Nigeria conceding twice before half-time and again shortly after the restart. The problems were particularly worrying given that the Eagles had also conceded three goals in their recent AFCON qualifying defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
3. Edokpolor makes instant impact
Peter Edokpolor could hardly have asked for a better senior international debut.
The Benfica defender came off the bench and scored Nigeria’s second goal in the 78th minute, reducing Russia’s advantage and giving the Eagles belief that a comeback was possible.
His performance will give Chelle another defensive option to consider when competitive fixtures resume.
4. Adams proves his importance again
Akor Adams once again showed why he remains an important option for Nigeria in attack.
The striker completed the comeback in the fourth minute of added time, finishing a counter-attack to rescue a 3-3 draw for the Eagles.
The goal was particularly significant after Adams had urged Nigeria to quickly put the Guinea-Bissau defeat behind them before the Russia game.
5. Chelle’s substitutions paid off
Eric Chelle deserves credit for the changes that helped transform the game after Russia moved two goals clear.
The introduction of fresh legs gave Nigeria greater urgency in the second half, with Edokpolor eventually pulling one back before Adams completed the comeback in stoppage time.
Although the result will not erase the defensive concerns, the response showed that Chelle’s bench can provide useful alternatives.
6. The new boys have given Chelle selection headaches
The friendly provided an opportunity for several less-established players to stake their claims, and some made good use of it.
Edokpolor’s goal was the standout moment, while other debutants and fringe players gained valuable experience against a Russia side that had entered the game in strong scoring form after a 6-0 win over Namibia.
7. The comeback shows character, but more work is needed
Coming back from 3-1 down to earn a draw demonstrated the resilience within the squad, especially after the disappointment in Guinea-Bissau.
However, the result should not mask the need for improvement. Nigeria have now conceded six goals across their last two matches, making defensive organisation one of Chelle’s biggest areas of concern.
The Russia friendly therefore offered both encouragement and a warning: the Eagles possess enough attacking quality to fight their way back into difficult matches, but they must become more disciplined at the back if they are to challenge successfully in competitive fixtures.
