Super Eagles player ratings: Wilfred George Igor shines as Peter Edokpolor, Akor Adams rescue Nigeria against Russia

Nigeria’s young Super Eagles side showed remarkable character to fight back from 3-1 down and secure a 3-3 draw against Russia at the Sovcombank Arena on Tuesday, with several fringe players making strong cases for future selection.

Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria an early advantage before Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak turned the game around before half-time. Alexey Miranchuk then extended Russia’s lead shortly after the restart.

However, Eric Chelle’s inexperienced side refused to surrender. Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit before Akor Adams completed the comeback deep into stoppage time.

With several established players unavailable, the fixture offered Chelle an opportunity to assess alternative options, and some of his selections responded impressively.

Igor leads the midfield charge

Wilfred George Igor – 7/10

Igor was arguably Nigeria’s best midfielder on the night. The Kristiansund player looked comfortable despite Russia controlling more than 60 per cent of possession.

He combined physical intensity with composed distribution and helped link Nigeria’s midfield to the attack. His ability to contribute both with and without the ball was particularly encouraging.

The performance will strengthen his case for another invitation and showed Chelle that he can compete at international level.

Kelechi Iheanacho – 7/10

Iheanacho gave Nigeria the perfect start when he calmly finished in the 10th minute. His goal underlined the quality he can still provide around the penalty area.

He also offered a useful focal point during the opening period before making way at half-time.

Abdullahi Umar – 8/10

Umar produced one of the most encouraging performances of the night after entering at the break.

The Hradec Králové striker immediately added greater movement to Nigeria’s attack, repeatedly attempting to run behind the Russian defence. Although he did not score, his energy changed Nigeria’s attacking approach and gave the hosts another problem.

For a senior debut, it was a highly promising display.

Edokpolor and Adams complete the comeback

Peter Edokpolor – 7/10

Edokpolor transformed the contest after replacing Adeoye in the 70th minute. Just eight minutes later, the Benfica forward scored to bring Nigeria back into contention.

His movement stretched Russia’s defence and his composure in front of goal was impressive. Scoring on his senior debut while helping turn a 3-1 deficit into a draw represented an excellent introduction to international football.

Akor Adams – 7/10

Adams provided the moment Nigeria desperately needed, scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time to level the contest.

The Venezia striker had endured a disappointing outing against Guinea-Bissau previously, making the late equaliser an important response. While the goal does not completely erase his recent struggles, it should provide a valuable confidence boost.

Moses Simon – 6/10

Simon brought considerable experience to an otherwise youthful side. He occasionally troubled Russia with his movement but struggled to exert sustained influence before his 70th-minute withdrawal.

Defensive struggles expose inexperienced back line

Samuel James – 5.5/10

James endured a difficult senior debut, conceding three goals and rarely looking completely assured in goal.

Russia’s movement and finishing made his task difficult, although he did not always command his area convincingly. His distribution was a positive, with only a handful of misplaced passes.

Abdullahi Bewene – 6/10

Bewene had a demanding assignment against Russia’s energetic attackers. He struggled when the hosts moved the ball quickly down Nigeria’s right but improved as the match progressed.

His ball progression and combination with the midfield were encouraging, while his athleticism gives Chelle something to work with.

Benjamin Fredrick – 6/10

Fredrick grew into the game after an uncomfortable opening period. Russia’s movement around the penalty area occasionally pulled him out of position, but he recovered well and contributed to Nigeria’s improved second-half display.

Given his limited playing time over the past year, some inconsistency was understandable.

Emmanuel Fernandez – 6/10

Fernandez had a difficult first half as Russia exploited spaces between Nigeria’s midfield and defence. He was caught in possession while attempting to build from the back, leading to the first goal.

However, the Rangers defender recovered well and became more composed after the break. His physical strength was useful against Russia’s powerful forwards.

Isaac James – 5.5/10

James struggled to influence proceedings from the left. Russia found openings down his side, while Nigeria did not get enough attacking width from him.

His versatility remains an asset, but this outing showed that he needs greater consistency at international level.

Midfielders struggle under Russian pressure

Aderemi Adeoye – 6/10

Adeoye worked hard in a midfield that spent long periods chasing the ball. Russia’s possession dominance left Nigeria’s midfielders defending large spaces, making it difficult for him to impose himself.

He improved before his replacement but will know he can offer more, particularly given his familiarity with Chelle’s system.

Stephen Michael – 6/10

Michael showed flashes of composure but could not influence the match consistently. Russia’s pressure pushed him into defensive positions and restricted his ability to dictate play.

Chelle replaced him at half-time as Nigeria altered their attacking structure.

Chibuzo Nwoko – 6/10

Nwoko delivered a decent debut despite struggling to maintain influence when Nigeria were pushed deep.

The Fulham midfielder looked confident in possession and was willing to take risks, including an early attempt to release Simon. His late yellow card appeared to reflect fatigue.

Substitutes provide late energy

Umar Abubakar – 6/10

Abubakar replaced Simon and added fresh energy during the final stages. He did not have enough time to make a decisive contribution but helped Nigeria maintain pressure.

Vince Osuji – 6/10

Osuji entered with seven minutes remaining and helped preserve Nigeria’s defensive structure as they pushed for an equaliser. He avoided major mistakes during the frantic closing stages.

Overall, the 3-3 draw gave Chelle plenty to consider, particularly after several young players demonstrated they can provide genuine competition for places in the Super Eagles squad.