Nigeria’s Super Eagles drew 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, staging a late comeback after falling 3-1 behind as Kelechi Iheanacho scored on his return and debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams completed the fightback.
Key Highlights
- Super Eagles drew 3-3 with Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.
- Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 10th minute.
- Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak before half-time.
- Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia’s lead to 3-1 in the 54th minute.
- Peter Edokpolor scored on his senior international debut to reduce the deficit.
- Akor Adams equalised in the 90+4th minute to complete Nigeria’s comeback.
- Nigeria had trailed 3-1 with less than 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
- The friendly provided opportunities for several players making their first appearances for the Super Eagles.
Super Eagles Draw 3-3 With Russia
The Super Eagles appeared headed for defeat after Russia established a two-goal advantage, but Eric Chelle’s side responded strongly in the closing stages to secure a 3-3 draw.
Nigeria took the lead after just 10 minutes when Kelechi Iheanacho finished from outside the box following a combination with Abdullahi Bewene.
The goal marked Iheanacho’s return to the national team after his previous appearance for Nigeria at the 2025 Unity Cup.
Russia gradually recovered from the early setback and levelled through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute.
The hosts then moved ahead shortly before half-time when Matvey Kislyak scored in first-half stoppage time, giving Russia a 2-1 lead at the break.
Miranchuk Puts Russia 3-1 Ahead
Russia strengthened its position nine minutes after the restart when Aleksey Miranchuk scored in the 54th minute to make it 3-1.
The two-goal deficit left Nigeria facing another disappointing result following the team’s recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
However, the Super Eagles continued to push forward as Chelle introduced fresh players in an attempt to change the direction of the match.
Peter Edokpolor Scores on Super Eagles Debut
Nigeria’s comeback began in the 78th minute when Peter Edokpolor scored on his senior international debut.
The Benfica youngster reduced Russia’s advantage to 3-2, giving Nigeria renewed hope of salvaging a result.
Edokpolor had been introduced in the second half and made an immediate impact by finding the net just minutes after coming onto the pitch.
Akor Adams Scores Late Equaliser
Nigeria completed the comeback deep into stoppage time when Akor Adams scored in the 90+4th minute.
The late equaliser ensured that Russia could not hold on to victory despite leading 3-1 with just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
Adams’ goal completed a six-goal encounter and secured a 3-3 draw for the Super Eagles.
Iheanacho Returns With Goal
Iheanacho’s early goal was one of the major talking points of the match.
The striker had missed Nigeria’s recent 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures but returned to the starting lineup against Russia.
His goal provided Nigeria with an early advantage before Russia responded with three unanswered goals during the middle stages of the game.
Read also:
- Super Eagles Set To Play Russia In October
- Guinea-Bissau Beat Nigeria 3-0 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier
- Ilenikhena, Usor Score on Debut as Super Eagles Beat Madagascar 2-1
New Faces Get Opportunity Under Chelle
The Russia friendly also provided an opportunity for several players to gain senior international experience.
The Nigeria Football Federation had included a number of newcomers in the squad for the friendly, with the match serving as part of Eric Chelle’s assessment of his available options.
The depleted squad was also affected by injuries, club restrictions and other availability issues ahead of the match, with several established players unable to participate.
Super Eagles Show Late Fighting Spirit
The 3-3 result gives Nigeria a positive finish to the friendly despite the defensive problems that allowed Russia to overturn the early deficit and take a 3-1 lead.
The Super Eagles refused to give up and scored twice in the final stages to rescue a draw.
The result also gives Chelle an opportunity to assess the performances of younger players and new additions to the national team as Nigeria continues preparations for upcoming international engagements.
Full Goal Timeline
- 10’ — Kelechi Iheanacho: Nigeria 1-0 Russia
- 30’ — Lechi Sadulaev: Nigeria 1-1 Russia
- 45+2’ — Matvey Kislyak: Nigeria 1-2 Russia
- 54’ — Aleksey Miranchuk: Nigeria 1-3 Russia
- 78’ — Peter Edokpolor: Nigeria 2-3 Russia
- 90+4’ — Akor Adams: Nigeria 3-3 Russia
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