The Super Eagles of Nigeria fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly played in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, October 6.
Nigeria took an early lead in the 11th minute when Kelechi Iheanacho fired home from the edge of the box to score his 15th international goal for the Super Eagles. However, Russia responded with two goals before halftime as Nigeria struggled to maintain defensive stability.
The hosts increased their advantage to 3-1 nine minutes into the second half, prompting Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to make changes. The substitutions sparked a stronger Nigerian response, with 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor scoring a powerful effort to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Nigeria completed the comeback in the 94th minute when striker Akor Adams finished a counter-attack initiated by a fine header from Emmanuel Fernandez. The match also provided an opportunity for nine Nigerian players to make their Super Eagles debuts as Chelle continued his efforts to integrate new talents into the squad.
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