Daily Review Online
The Super Eagles of Nigeria staged a stunning late comeback on Tuesday, recovering from a 3-1 deficit to force Russia to a 3-3 draw in an entertaining international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Nigeria appeared destined for defeat after Russia established a two-goal advantage early in the second half, but goals from Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams, including a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, earned the Super Eagles a share of the spoils.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria the perfect start in the 10th minute, putting the visitors ahead with a fine effort after Abdullahi Bewene provided the assist. The goal came from Nigeria’s first major attacking opportunity of the match.
Russia gradually grew into the contest and levelled in the 30th minute through Lechi Sadulaev after Nigeria were punished for an error in possession.
The hosts then completed their turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Matvey Kislyak struck in the 45th+2 minute to give Russia a 2-1 lead at the break.
Russia continued to look dangerous after the restart and extended their advantage in the 54th minute through Alexey Miranchuk.
At 3-1 down, Nigeria faced a difficult task, with Russia appearing firmly in control of the encounter.
However, the Super Eagles refused to give up.
Nigeria’s fightback began in the 78th minute when substitute Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit to 3-2. The Benfica B winger, introduced in the second half, injected greater urgency into Nigeria’s attack and his effort found the net after a Nigerian attack.
The goal gave Nigeria renewed belief and shifted the momentum of the match towards the visitors.
With Russia unable to protect its lead, Nigeria pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Akor Adams completed the remarkable comeback in the 90th+4 minute, converting after a quick Nigerian counter-attack to make it 3-3. Umar Abubakar played a key role in creating the opportunity before Adams finished the move.
The final whistle shortly afterwards confirmed a dramatic draw, with Nigeria recovering from two goals behind in the closing stages to deny Russia what had appeared to be a comfortable victory.
The six-goal thriller represented a significant show of character from Eric Chelle’s side, particularly after Russia had taken control following Miranchuk’s 54th-minute goal.
For Nigeria, Iheanacho’s early strike, Edokpolor’s introduction and Adams’ late intervention proved decisive as the Super Eagles salvaged a result from a match that looked to have slipped away.
The 3-3 draw was also the second consecutive meeting between Nigeria and Russia to end without a winner. The two countries had played a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025, when Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser after Semi Ajayi’s own goal had put Russia ahead.
Full scoring sequence: Kelechi Iheanacho 10′ — 0-1; Lechi Sadulaev 30′ — 1-1; Matvey Kislyak 45+2′ — 2-1; Alexey Miranchuk 54′ — 3-1; Peter Edokpolor 78′ — 3-2; Akor Adams 90+4′ — 3-3.