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

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