Nigeria Fight Back From 3-1 Down To Hold Russia To 3-3 Draw

The Super Eagles of Nigeria staged a dramatic late comeback on Tuesday to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Nigeria twice came from behind after taking an early lead, with Kelechi Iheanacho, Osayande Edokpolor and Akor Adams scoring for the Super Eagles.

Russia found the net through Lechi Sadulaev, Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk.

Nigeria made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Iheanacho produced a composed finish from the edge of the box.

The advantage, however, lasted only 20 minutes before Sadulaev levelled for Russia in the 30th minute after the hosts capitalised on a defensive lapse.

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Russia then completed the turnaround shortly before half-time, with Kislyak scoring in the second minute of added time to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.

The hosts increased the pressure after the restart and extended their advantage in the 54th minute through Miranchuk, leaving Nigeria facing a 3-1 deficit.

The Super Eagles, however, refused to surrender.

Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute with a right-footed finish following a fast break, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and giving Nigeria hope of salvaging a result.

Nigeria continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, and the pressure finally paid off deep into stoppage time.

In the 94th minute, Akor Adams finished a fast counter-attack after receiving the final pass from Umar Abubakar to make it 3-3.

The late equaliser completed a remarkable recovery for Nigeria, who had appeared destined for defeat after Russia moved two goals clear.

The result provides encouragement for coach Eric Chelle as he continues to assess his squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming competitive assignments.

The character shown by the players in recovering from 3-1 down will also be a major positive for the Super Eagles as they prepare for their next fixtures.

Nigeria Fight Back From 3-1 Down To Hold Russia To 3-3 Draw

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, producing a strong performance despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result extended Portugal’s perfect start under head coach Jorge Jesus, who has now overseen three victories from three matches since taking charge of the national team.

Playing in Copenhagen, Portugal took the lead in the 13th minute when João Cancelo finished from close range after Denmark struggled to clear the ball.

The hosts responded when Mikkel Damsgaard produced a composed finish to level the score.

Portugal regained the advantage shortly afterwards through Gonçalo Ramos, who found the net at the near post to make it 2-1.

Denmark refused to surrender and drew level again early in the second half through Rasmus Højlund.

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Portugal then regained control of the contest, with Vitinha heading home in the 57th minute to restore the visitors’ lead.

João Félix completed the scoring three minutes from full time, finishing a counter-attack to secure the 4-2 victory.

The match was played against the backdrop of Ronaldo’s absence after the veteran forward left Portugal’s training camp before the game.

Ronaldo’s departure followed a decision by Jesus not to start him against Denmark. The 41-year-old subsequently said in a social media post that he would explain the circumstances surrounding his exit at a later time.

With Ronaldo unavailable, Jesus handed Ramos the responsibility of leading the attack, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward responded with Portugal’s second goal.

The victory moved Portugal to nine points from three matches in the competition and maintained their winning run under Jesus.

Denmark, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another match in which they twice came from behind but were unable to prevent Portugal from taking all three points.

Portugal will continue their Nations League campaign against Norway, while attention is expected to remain on Ronaldo and his future involvement with the national team.

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark, following reports of tension over his role in the team.

Ronaldo’s departure came after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the 41-year-old forward would not start against Denmark.

The situation reportedly followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match despite warming up during the game.

According to reports, Ronaldo was unhappy after he was not introduced and went straight to the dressing room at the final whistle rather than joining his teammates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters.

Jesus later addressed the issue and acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy with the decision, but denied that there had been a major confrontation between the two.

The Portugal coach also dismissed reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, explaining that the forward had instead completed individual mobility and strengthening exercises.

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The situation intensified after Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would again not be in the starting lineup for the Denmark vs Portugal fixture, with Gonçalo Ramos expected to lead the attack.

Jesus said Ronaldo could still be introduced as a substitute depending on how the match developed.

Ronaldo subsequently held a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen.

The Portugal captain later posted a statement on social media confirming his departure and indicating that he would explain the circumstances behind the decision at a later time.

He did not directly accuse Jesus or the Portuguese federation of wrongdoing in the statement.

The episode has nevertheless generated renewed questions about Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team, particularly as he approaches the later stages of his international career.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and one of the country’s most decorated players. He has also previously indicated that his playing career is approaching its final stage.

For now, the confirmed sequence is that Ronaldo was left unused against Norway, Jesus subsequently announced that he would not start against Denmark, Ronaldo met with the federation president and then left the training camp.

Portugal’s immediate focus remains its Nations League campaign, while further details about Ronaldo’s decision are expected to emerge if the player follows through on his promise to explain the circumstances.

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash