Super Eagles Fight Back To Secure 3-3 Draw Against Russia

Nigeria’s depleted Super Eagles fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, capping an international window defined by squad withdrawals and youth debuts.

The Super Eagles arrived at the Nizhny Novgorod venue carrying the weight of a difficult international window following a 3-0 AFCON qualifying defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Head coach Eric Chelle faced a severe selection crisis after injuries, travel complications, and club restrictions depleted the squad to 18 players. Captain Wilfred Ndidi was sidelined by a knock, while clubs across Europe and the Middle East blocked several players from traveling.

Among those present in the camp were Stanley Nwabali, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, Kenneth Igboke, Chibuzor Nwoko, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Bewene, Atata Michael, Aderemi Adeoye, Isaac James, and Michael Stephen. The Nigeria Football Federation reported that Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Moses Usor were also withheld by their clubs. Raphael Onyedika was not permitted to travel by Eintracht Frankfurt, and Moses Usor was prevented by LASK from joining the team in Russia. Victory Akpe was ruled out after suffering an injury, and Slavia Prague midfielder Suleiman Mubarak was unable to make the trip because his residence permit had not been secured.

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Chelle Gives Nine Players Senior International Debuts

Faced with a seriously weakened roster, Chelle turned to untested talent as nine players made their senior international debuts on Tuesday. The squad eventually reached 19 players following the late call-up of FC Rostov midfielder Ibrahim Ajasa, who joined the team in Nizhny Novgorod.

The enforced reshuffle brought in young prospects including Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick, Fulham midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko, and teenagers Stephen Michael, Aderemi Adeoye, and Peter Edokpolor. Veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria an early lead in the 10th minute with a precise strike from outside the penalty area. The goal marked a notable milestone, with the 30-year-old scoring in 10 consecutive matches to equal a record recently set by Paul Onuachu during his stint at Trabzonspor.

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Nigeria made two substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Akor Adams and Abubakar Umar for Michael Stephen and Kelechi Iheanacho.

“The clubs do not want to release the players, so we have to manage the situation. This is why we brought some young players.”

Super Eagles Fight Back To Secure 3-3 Draw Against Russia — Photo: Business News Nigeria

Russia Controls Possession in Six-Goal Thriller

Russia seized control of the match as it progressed, controlling 62 per cent possession and firing 15 shots to Nigeria’s nine. Valery Karpin’s side equalized in the 30th minute when Lechi Sadulaev capitalized on a defensive mix-up after Emmanuel Fernandez was dispossessed deep in his own half.

The Russian advantage grew in the 54th minute when Aleksey Miranchuk capped a quick passing sequence by weaving through the Nigerian defense and placing a shot under the goalkeeper. Trailing 3-1, Nigeria turned to their substitutes bench to alter the momentum of the game, later introducing Vince Osuji to replace Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute.

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Substitutes Salvage Draw at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium

The tactical changes paid off in the 78th minute when Peter Edokpolor dribbled past the Russian defense and fired a deflected shot into the net. Nigeria continued pressing for an equalizer as the match entered its final stages.

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Umar Abdullahi launched a fast counter-attack and delivered a pass to Akor Adams, who calmly converted in the 94th minute to finalize the 3-3 comeback. Emmanuel Fernandez began the counter-attack before Umar Abdullahi put it on a plate for Adams, who made no mistake with the finish.

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The Super Eagles will return to competitive action in November for upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, following a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.