Nigeria came from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly played in Novgorod on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles, who were seeking a response after their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture last Friday, fell behind after initially taking the lead.
Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring for Nigeria with a strike from the edge of the box to put Eric Chelle’s side 1-0 ahead.
Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev, who found himself free inside the box before finishing to make it 1-1.
Matvey Kislyak then completed Russia’s turnaround on the stroke of half-time, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.
Russia extended their advantage after the restart when Aleksei Miranchuk made it 3-1.
Nigeria reduced the deficit through Edokpolor, who pulled one back to make it 3-2.
The Super Eagles continued to push for an equaliser and were rewarded late in the match when Akor Adams scored to make it 3-3.
The result ended Russia’s winning run during the current international window after they had defeated Iran and Namibia, scoring eight goals across the two matches.
Nigeria’s starting lineup was Stanley Nwabali; Samuel James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, Kenneth Igboke; Raphael Onyedika, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael; Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Russia started with Maxim Maksimenko; Ruslan Litvinov, Danil Denisov, Sergei Osipenko, Danil Krugovoy; Danil Prutsev, Matvey Kislyak, Aleksei Batrakov; Maksim Glushenkov, Konstantin Tyukavin and Lechi Sadulaev.
The 3-3 draw gives Nigeria a result to take from the final game of the current international window following their defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
