The Super Eagles of Nigeria fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigeria took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho, who found the net in the 10th minute.
Russia responded in the 30th minute when Lechi Sadulaev equalised to make it 1-1.
The hosts then completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time, with Matvey Kislyak scoring to give Russia a 2-1 lead at the break.
Russia increased its advantage nine minutes into the second half when Alexey Miranchuk scored in the 54th minute to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
With Nigeria facing defeat, the Super Eagles launched a late comeback.
Peter Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute to reduce Russia’s advantage to 3-2.
Nigeria then completed the comeback in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Akor Adams scored the equaliser to make it 3-3 and deny Russia victory.
The result means Nigeria remain unbeaten against Russia after the two countries’ second meeting. Their first encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation had described Tuesday’s fixture as the teams’ second meeting in 16 months.
The Super Eagles entered the friendly looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Nigeria were also without several regular players, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, while injuries, withdrawals and club restrictions further weakened the squad.
The NFF had described the situation as having “seriously weakened” the team ahead of the friendly.
Russia, meanwhile, came into the match in strong form after recording a 6-0 victory over Namibia in their previous friendly.
Nigeria’s late comeback therefore rescued a draw in an entertaining six-goal encounter and ended the international window on a more positive note.
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