The Super Eagles mounted a spirited second-half comeback to snatch a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigeria appeared destined for defeat after surrendering an early advantage and falling two goals behind. Still, a determined late surge changed the complexion of the contest as Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams struck in the closing stages to rescue a point.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Eagles a dream start when he found the net in the 10th minute, putting Nigeria ahead before the hosts responded through Lechi Sadulaev, who levelled the contest in the 30th minute.
Russia then turned the game around shortly before the interval. Matvey Kislyak scored in first-half stoppage time to send the hosts into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The Russians appeared to have taken firm control after Alexey Miranchuk added a third goal in the 54th minute, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb at 3-1 down.
But the Eagles refused to surrender. Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute, giving Nigeria renewed hope and setting up a tense finish.
The pressure eventually paid off deep into stoppage time when Akor Adams found the equaliser in the fourth minute of added time, completing Nigeria’s remarkable recovery and denying Russia what had looked like a comfortable victory.
The draw also means Nigeria remain unbeaten against Russia after two meetings between the nations. Their first encounter ended 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025, while the Nigeria Football Federation had described Tuesday’s fixture as the sides’ second meeting in 16 months.
The result will come as a welcome boost for the Super Eagles, who arrived in Russia seeking a response after their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Nigeria also had to cope with a depleted squad. Captain Wilfred Ndidi was among the notable absentees, while injuries and club-related restrictions kept several other players from joining the team. The NFF had warned that the circumstances had “seriously weakened” the squad before the friendly.
Russia, meanwhile, entered the encounter with considerable confidence after recording a commanding 6-0 victory over Namibia in their previous friendly.
Against that backdrop, Nigeria’s refusal to fold after going 3-1 down provided one of the few bright moments of a difficult international window. The comeback not only salvaged a draw but also demonstrated the resilience of a Super Eagles side determined to finish the period on a positive note.
