Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a spirited second half comeback to draw 3-3 with Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Eric Chelle handed several inexperienced players starting roles for the international friendly. Samuel James started in goal, with Abdullahi Bewene at right back and Emmanuel Fernandez alongside Benjamin Fredericks in central defence.
Isaac James completed the back four at left back. Aderemi Adeoye, Stephen Micheal, Wilfred George and Chibuzo Nwokolo formed the midfield, while Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho led the attack.
Russia created the first chance after just two minutes. Danil Krugovoy cut in from the left before sending a left footed effort towards goal.
Nigeria, however, took the lead in the 10th minute. Stephen Micheal kept a switch of play alive on the left before finding Bursaspor forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho then drove a low shot past the Russian goalkeeper to give the Super Eagles an early advantage.
Russia almost levelled five minutes later after Isaac James lost possession in his own half. Ivan Oblyakov carried the ball into the box before cutting it back for Aleksandr Sobolev, whose effort hit a Nigeria defender.
The hosts went close again in the 29th minute. A cross from the left reached captain Ivan Oblyakov, but his effort from inside the box went wide.
Russia finally found the equaliser in the 30th minute after their high press forced another mistake from Nigeria. Emmanuel Fernandez lost the ball close to his own penalty area, allowing Matvey Kislyak to win possession.
Kislyak then cut the ball back to Lechi Sadulaev, who fired past Samuel James to make it 1-1.
Russia continued to press as the half progressed. Their pressure eventually paid off again before the break when Sadulaev’s deflected cross fell to Kislyak.
The midfielder finished first time to put Russia 2-1 ahead at half time.
Super Eagles complete dramatic second half comeback
Chelle made two changes at the start of the second half. Akor Adams replaced Stephen Micheal, while Abdullahi Umar came on for Iheanacho.
Russia extended their advantage in the 54th minute. Aleksey Batrakov chased a long ball before his clever touch found Kislyak.
Kislyak then laid the ball off for Aleksey Miranchuk, who finished from inside the box to make it 3-1.
Chelle responded with another double change in the 70th minute. Osayande Peter replaced Aderemi Adeoye, while Umar Abubakar came on for Moses Simon.
Nigeria nearly reduced the deficit four minutes later. Abdullahi Umar found space inside the box, but he directed his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Russia then came close to a fourth goal in the 77th minute. Their number 10 created room after a half turn, but his shot went wide.
Nigeria finally found their second goal a minute later. Osayande Peter won the ball back after pressing the Russian defence.
The Benfica forward then cut inside onto his right foot and produced a powerful finish into the top corner. Nigeria were suddenly back in the contest at 3-2.
The Super Eagles pushed forward in search of an equaliser. They came close again when Russia gave the ball away and Akor Adams picked it up inside the attacking area.
Adams laid the ball off for Abdullahi Umar, who tried to beat his markers before shooting from inside the box. Aleksandr Makimenko made an important save to keep Russia ahead.
Nigeria refused to stop and finally got their reward in the 94th minute.
The Super Eagles won a second ball and a header fell kindly for Abdullahi Umar. He moved beyond his marker and drove into the box before cutting the ball back for Akor Adams.
Adams finished the move to make it 3-3 and complete Nigeria’s dramatic comeback.
Russia still had one final chance to win the game. However, their glancing header from inside the box went wide.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to a double header against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
