The Super Eagles of Nigeria twice came from behind to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.
The result offered Nigeria a positive finish to a mixed international window following their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Head coach Eric Chelle made nine changes to the starting line-up, handing debuts to several players as he tested the depth of his squad.
Nigeria took the lead in the 11th minute when recalled striker Kelechi Iheanacho latched onto a pass from Abdullahi Bewene before firing a left-footed effort into the top corner.
The goal was Iheanacho’s 15th for the national team and came in his first appearance for Nigeria in more than 16 months.
Russia, however, responded strongly and equalised through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute before Matvey Kislyak put the hosts ahead shortly before half-time.
Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia’s advantage to 3-1 nine minutes into the second half as Nigeria struggled to contain the hosts.
Chelle then made changes that transformed the game, with the Super Eagles mounting sustained pressure on the Russian defence.
Nineteen-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute after driving through the Russian defence before unleashing a powerful finish.
Nigeria continued to push for an equaliser and were eventually rewarded deep into stoppage time.
A long header from Emmanuel Fernandez sparked a quick counter-attack, with Umar Abdullahi providing the final pass for substitute Akor Adams to score in the 94th minute and complete the comeback.
The draw came despite the absence of several key players, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The Super Eagles will now return to competitive action in November when they face Tanzania in a double-header in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
