Super Eagles opened the scoring as early as the 10th minute through Turkish-based striker, Kelechi Iheanacho.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.
Eric Chelle’s men were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Nigeria’s starting lineup included Stanley Nwabali; Samuel James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, Kenneth Igboke; Raphael Onyedika, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Turkish-based striker Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring for the away side as early as the 10th minute with a strike from the edge of the box to put the Super Eagles 1-0 up.
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Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute before Matvey Kislyak completed the hosts’ turnaround with a goal in first-half stoppage time.
The hosts extended their advantage nine minutes into the second half when Aleksei Miranchuk found the net to make it 3-1.
Nigeria, however, refused to surrender, as Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams found the back of the net to ensure the three-time African champions escaped another defeat.
The result ended Russia’s winning run during the current international window after they had defeated Iran and Namibia, scoring eight goals across the two matches.
