Nigeria Fight Back to Hold Russia 3-3 in Six-Goal Thriller

The Super Eagles produced a spirited second-half comeback to force Russia to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

Nigeria took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho but surrendered the advantage before Russia moved 3-1 ahead after the break.

The hosts appeared set for victory until Osayande Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute.

Akor Adams then completed Nigeria’s dramatic recovery deep into stoppage time.

Iheanacho opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, unleashing a powerful effort from outside the box to silence the home crowd.

Russia responded strongly and drew level through Lechi Sadulaev after a defensive error exposed the Nigerian backline.

The hosts then completed the turnaround shortly before half-time. Matvey Kislyak reacted quickest at the near post to put Russia 2-1 ahead.

Russia maintained the pressure after the interval and extended its lead nine minutes into the second half.

Aleksey Miranchuk finished a flowing attacking move to make it 3-1 and put the Super Eagles under serious pressure.

Coach Éric Chelle responded with several substitutions as Nigeria sought to change the direction of the contest.

The changes brought the desired effect when Edokpolor produced a superb strike in the 78th minute to reduce the deficit.

Nigeria then pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Russia tried to protect its advantage and close out the match.

The Super Eagles finally found their reward in the fourth minute of added time.

Emmanuel Fernandez started the counter-attack before Umar Abdullahi supplied Adams, who kept his composure to fire Nigeria level at 3-3.

The result means Nigeria remain unbeaten in their last two meetings with Russia. Their previous encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in June 2025.

The comeback also offered a positive response to Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier last week.

However, Chelle had to work with a depleted squad for the friendly, with injuries, travel documentation problems and club restrictions ruling out several regular players.

Nine players also made their international debuts in the youthful Nigerian squad.

Russia entered the match with confidence after beating Iran 2-0 before recording a 6-0 victory over Namibia.

Despite the quality and experience missing from Nigeria’s squad, the Super Eagles showed considerable resilience against a Russian side enjoying a strong run.

The result gives Chelle an opportunity to assess several fringe players as he continues to build greater depth within the squad.

Nigeria’s defensive lapses, however, remain a concern after Russia scored three times, while the late fightback provides encouragement ahead of the team’s next competitive assignments.