The Super Eagles fought back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Russia on Tuesday. The match was played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Nigeria looked set for another disappointing result after Russia established a 3-1 lead early in the second half. The Super Eagles produced a spirited late comeback. Akor Adams scored in the 94th minute to level the scores.
Nigeria entered the match under pressure. The Super Eagles had lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing. It was a historic low. Coach Eric Chelle faced criticism. The friendly against Russia was a chance to respond. Russia entered the match on the back of a 6-0 victory over Namibia. They were confident. The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium was a hostile venue.
Kelechi Iheanacho put Nigeria ahead after 10 minutes. Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute. Matvey Kislyak completed the turnaround with a goal in first-half stoppage time. Aleksei Miranchuk extended the lead nine minutes into the second half. Nigeria refused to surrender. Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 78th minute. Akor Adams scored the equaliser deep into stoppage time. The comeback gave Nigeria redemption after the Guinea-Bissau defeat. The team showed character. Russia were disappointed to have surrendered a two-goal advantage.
For Chelle, the match provided another opportunity to assess his squad. The late fightback offered encouragement. Nigeria’s next competitive assignments are in November. The draw stops the bleeding. It does not solve the team’s problems. The defence conceded three goals. The midfield struggled at times. The attack showed resilience.
Winners: Akor Adams, who scored the equaliser. Peter Edokpolor, who sparked the comeback. Chelle, who gained breathing room. Nigerian fans, who saw fight. Losers: Russia, who surrendered a two-goal lead. Nigeria’s defence, which conceded three. Guinea-Bissau, whose win looks less impressive if Nigeria recovers. No serious losers.
Bottom Line: Nigeria drew 3-3 with Russia. They came back from 3-1 down. Akor Adams scored in the 94th minute. The fightback was encouraging. The defensive problems remain. Chelle has time. The qualifiers are in November.