The Super Eagles produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly on Tuesday in Nizhny Novgorod.
Nigeria found themselves trailing 3-2 late in the game after Russia had taken control of the contest, but the Super Eagles refused to give up and found a crucial equaliser in the closing moments to rescue a point.
The result marked another high-scoring meeting between the two sides after their first encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation had confirmed the latest meeting as an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Nigeria had made a bright start to the contest, with Kelechi Iheanacho putting the Super Eagles ahead early. Russia responded with two goals before half-time to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
The hosts then extended their advantage after the restart, putting Nigeria under pressure and moving 3-1 ahead. The Super Eagles, however, pulled one back to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
With Russia still holding the lead deep into the closing stages, Nigeria continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.
That persistence eventually paid off as the Super Eagles found the back of the net again at the death to make it 3-3 and deny Russia what looked like a home victory.
The final score means Nigeria leave Nizhny Novgorod with a draw from a game that provided plenty of attacking action and another opportunity for Eric Chelle to assess his squad.
The Super Eagles had entered the friendly looking to respond after their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
While the defensive issues will give Chelle plenty to think about, Nigeria’s late fightback will also offer encouragement as the team continues to build under the coach.
From 3-2 down and seemingly heading for defeat, the Super Eagles kept fighting until the final whistle and that persistence ultimately earned them a share of the spoils.
