NIGERIA: Super Eagles Stun Russia With Dramatic 3-3 Comeback

By Onoja Baba

The Super Eagles staged a dramatic late comeback on Tuesday, recovering from a two goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Nigeria took an early lead in the 10th minute through Kelechi Iheanacho before Russia responded with Lechi Sadulaev’s equaliser in the 30th minute.

The hosts then turned the game around shortly before half time, with Matvey Kislyak scoring in stoppage time to give Russia a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Russia extended their lead nine minutes into the second half when Alexey Miranchuk found the net in the 54th minute, leaving Nigeria trailing 3-1.

The Super Eagles, however, refused to give up as Peter Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute to reduce the deficit.

Nigeria completed the comeback in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Akor Adams scored the equaliser, rescuing a 3-3 draw for the West Africans.

The result means Nigeria remain unbeaten against Russia after the two countries’ second meeting. Their first encounter ended 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025.

The Super Eagles had gone into Tuesday’s friendly seeking a positive response after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Nigeria were also without several regular players, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, while injuries and club restrictions prevented some other players from joining the squad.

The Nigeria Football Federation had said the situation had “seriously weakened” the squad ahead of the encounter.

Russia, meanwhile, entered the match in impressive form after recording a 6-0 victory over Namibia in their previous friendly.

Despite falling behind twice and facing a two goal deficit in the second half, Nigeria’s late fightback ensured the Super Eagles ended the international window on a positive note.