Nigeria recovered from 3-1 behind to draw 3-3 with Russia in a dramatic international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Benfica’s 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams scored for the Super Eagles, who secured back-to-back draws against Russia. Their first meeting, also a friendly, finished 1-1 in 2025.
The result ended Russia’s run of four consecutive victories, during which they had scored 14 goals without conceding.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle selected an experimental side, with Iheanacho and Moses Simon the only experienced players in the starting XI.
Goalkeeper Samuel James, Chibuzor Nwoko, Wilfred Igor, Aderemi Adeoye, Isaac James, Stephen Michael, returning defender Benjamin Frederick, Emmanuel Fernandez and Abdullahi Bewene were also named in the starting lineup.
Nigeria took a surprise lead after 10 minutes despite Russia controlling much of the opening period. Bewene found Iheanacho, who sent a low left-footed shot into the net.
Russia nearly equalised four minutes later when a poor back pass from left-back James presented an opportunity, although the goal-bound effort struck a Russian team-mate.
The hosts threatened again in the 25th minute after a dangerous cross reached the Nigeria penalty area, but Fernandez intervened with a timely block.
Russia’s pressure finally produced an equaliser five minutes later. Fernandez was dispossessed near the Super Eagles’ box and Lechi Sadulaev took advantage, calmly slotting the ball past James.
The hosts almost went ahead two minutes later, but James produced a good save to deny a header.
Russia did take the lead in the second minute of first-half added time, when Matvey Kislyak converted a low cross from the left.
Chelle responded by making two substitutions at the interval, sending on Adams and debutant Abdullahi Umar for Iheanacho and Michael.
However, Russia extended their advantage when Aleksey Miranchuk’s low shot from inside the box went underneath James. The move had opened up Nigeria’s defence through a series of neat passing exchanges.
Russia continued to dominate and kept the Super Eagles in their own half, but were unable to add a fourth goal.
With 20 minutes remaining, Chelle introduced Edokpolor and Abubakar for Simon and Adeoye. Edokpolor immediately made an impact, cutting the deficit with an impressive individual effort.
The teenager collected the ball on the left, beat his marker and shot towards goal. His effort took a deflection before finding the net.
Nigeria then pushed for an equaliser. In the 91st minute, Abubakar dribbled past his marker inside the area but saw his effort saved by the goalkeeper.
The comeback was completed in the 94th minute when Adams converted Abubakar’s fine lay-off inside the box.
Russia came close to snatching victory in the closing moments, but a header from a cross flew narrowly over the bar.