A late Akor Adams strike saw the Super Eagles complete a dramatic comeback to force Russia to a 3-3 draw in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, completesport.com reports. Also on target for the Super Eagles were Kelechi Iheanacho, who was making a return and Benfica 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor. It is now back-to-back draws for the Super Eagles against Russia, after their first encounter, also a friendly, ended 1-1 in 2025.
The draw halted Russia’s run of four straight wins, scoring 14 goals without conceding. Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle named a largely experimental starting lineup which only had Iheanacho and Moses Simon as the only experienced players.
Other players in the starting eleven were debutants Samuel James (in goal), Chibuzor Nwoko, Wilfred Igor, Aderemi Adeoye, Isaac James, Stephen Michael, the returning Benjamin Frederick, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Abdullahi Bewene Despite being on the back foot for most parts of the first half, it was the Super Eagles who took a shock lead on 10 minutes through Iheanacho, who received a pass from Bewene before hitting a low left foot strike into the net.
Russia went close to drawing level on 14 minutes after a poor back pass by left-back James, but the goal-bound effort from the Russian player came off his own teammate. In the 25th minute Russia went close again after a dangerous cross was floated into the Super Eagles box but Fernandez made a timely block.
But Russia’s persistent attack eventually paid off on 30 minutes thanks to Lechi Sadulaev, who slotted past James, after Fernandez was dispossessed of the ball close to the Super Eagles box. Also Read: Iheanacho Opens Up On Super Eagles Return, Reason For Bursaspor Move