Nigeria rally from 3-1 down to hold Russia in thrilling friendly

A depleted Nigeria side showed impressive character to twice come from behind and earn a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

The three-time African champions fell 3-1 behind early in the second half but produced a spirited comeback, with substitutes Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams scoring late to rescue a draw for Éric Chelle’s youthful side.

Chelle handed international debuts to several players in a heavily rotated line-up as he assessed Nigeria’s squad depth.

Iheanacho gives Nigeria early lead

Nigeria made the perfect start when Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

The forward received a precise pass from Abdullahi Bewene on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed effort into the top corner.

The goal was Iheanacho’s 15th for Nigeria.

Russia responded after Nigeria’s early dominance, taking advantage of defensive lapses to level the contest against debutant goalkeeper Samuel James.

The hosts then completed the turnaround by scoring again shortly before half-time to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Russia extend advantage after half-time

Russia strengthened their position nine minutes into the second half when they added a third goal to make it 3-1.

The setback prompted Chelle to make changes as Nigeria searched for a way back into the match.

The substitutions immediately added greater urgency to the Super Eagles’ attack, with Nigeria beginning to apply sustained pressure on the Russian defence.

Umar Abdullahi came close to reducing the deficit in the 73rd minute after winning possession high up the pitch following good work from Isaac James.

Five minutes later, Nigeria found their second goal.

Edokpolor sparks Nigeria comeback

Nineteen-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor made an immediate impact after coming off the bench.

The youngster drove through the Russian defence before unleashing an unstoppable strike in the 78th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

With Nigeria now firmly on the front foot, Chelle introduced Vince Osuji for Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute as the Super Eagles continued their pursuit of an equaliser.

Their pressure finally paid off deep into added time.

Adams rescues late draw

Emmanuel Fernandez started the move from deep with a header that found Abdullahi.

The substitute then squared the ball intelligently for fellow replacement Akor Adams, who converted in the fourth minute of added time to complete Nigeria’s comeback.

The 94th-minute goal secured a 3-3 draw and capped a determined performance from a youthful Super Eagles side playing away from home.

The match also provided valuable international experience for a number of Nigeria’s emerging players, with nine players making their Super Eagles debuts during the game.