Peter Edokpolor scored on his Super Eagles debut as Nigeria fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday.
Nigeria entered the final 20 minutes of the game trailing 3-1, but Eric Chelle’s side scored twice to avoid another defeat.
The Super Eagles came into the match after a disappointing loss to Guinea-Bissau in their previous 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game.
Nigeria’s preparations were also affected by several late withdrawals, while some clubs refused to release players for the international duty.
Despite the challenges, Chelle handed five players their senior debuts in the starting lineup.
Kelechi Iheanacho also returned to the national team for the first time since the 2025 Unity Cup, while Moses Simon captained the side. Akor Adams started from the bench.
Iheanacho Scores On Return
Iheanacho made an immediate impact on his return by giving Nigeria the lead in the 10th minute.
The forward exchanged passes with Abdullahi Bewene before firing a powerful effort from outside the box into the near post to beat the Russian goalkeeper.
Russia responded in the 30th minute when Lechi Sadulayev beat Nigerian debutant goalkeeper Samuel James to make it 1-1.
The hosts then completed the comeback shortly before half-time. CSKA Moscow midfielder Matvey Kislyak finished a well-worked team move to put Russia 2-1 ahead at the break.
Edokpolor Scores On Debut
Russia extended their lead early in the second half when Aleksey Miranchuk made it 3-1 after Nigeria failed to deal with the danger.
Chelle then introduced Peter Edokpolor for his senior debut, and the youngster quickly made an impact.
Edokpolor won the ball in midfield, drove forward and fired towards goal. His effort took a deflection before finding the net to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The goal gave Nigeria renewed hope of completing the comeback.
Adams Rescues Nigeria
The Super Eagles continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages.
Just when it appeared Russia would hold on for victory, Akor Adams struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it 3-3.
The Venezia forward had faced criticism following Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifying matches, but his late goal earned the Super Eagles a valuable draw.
What Next For Nigeria?
Chelle’s men will now turn their attention to their 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against co-hosts Tanzania in November.
Nigeria currently have three points, three behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau.
With only one team expected to qualify from the group, the Super Eagles have little room for further mistakes.
Nigeria must now avoid defeat in their next matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
