Nigeria’s Super Eagles, made up largely of new players, staged a remarkable fightback to hold Russia to a 3-3 draw in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Kelechi Iheanacho had given the Super Eagles the lead after 10 minutes, but goals from Lechi Sadulaev (30th minute), Matvey Kislyak (45+2nd minute) and Aleksey Miranchuk (54th minute) put Russia 3-1 up and on the verge of a first-ever win over Nigeria.
But the Super Eagles rallied to force Russia to a draw, thanks to goals from 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams in the 78th and 94th minutes respectively. As Nigerians continue to bask in the euphoria of this remarkable feat against Russia, Completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI highlights five previous fightbacks staged by the Super Eagles from a two-goal deficit.
After opening their campaign at the 1984 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire with a 2-1 win over Ghana, the Super Eagles faced minnows Malawi in their second Group B fixture. But, to everyone’s surprise, Malawi, who had been hammered 3-0 by Algeria in their first group game, raced into a 2-0 lead, scoring in the seventh and 35th minutes.
However, the Super Eagles fought back to draw level, thanks to a brace from Clement Temile in the 39th and 41st minutes, as both teams settled for a 2-2 draw. The Super Eagles finished second and progressed to the semi-finals alongside group winners Algeria. The Super Eagles’ qualification for the semi-finals of the 1984 AFCON saw them face the Pharaohs of Egypt.
The Egyptians broke the deadlock in the 25th minute before adding a second goal in the 38th minute. But with two minutes left in the first half, the Super Eagles made it 2-1, thanks to Stephen Keshi, who scored from the penalty spot.