Russia 3-3 Super Eagles: Player ratings – George & Umar shine, James struggles

Nigeria's Super Eagles produced a remarkable second-half comeback to rescue a 3-3 draw against Russia at the Sovcombank Arena on Tuesday.

Coach Eric Chelle's men took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho but went into half-time 2-1 down courtesy of strikes from Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak. Alexey Miranchuk then extended Russia's advantage early in the second half.

Nonetheless, the young side refused to collapse on the night, with Peter Edokpolor pulling one back before Akor Adams struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.

With several established Super Eagles stars unavailable, the game gave Chelle an opportunity to assess unfamiliar options. In this article, we write on how the Super Eagles players performed on the night.

Super Eagles Players Player Ratings

Samuel James – 5.5/10

It was a difficult senior debut for the goalkeeper. James was beaten three times and, although Russia's finishing and movement made life difficult for him, he never looked completely convincing between the posts.

The Finnish-based goalkeeper was given a major opportunity after being preferred to Stanley Nwabali, but the occasion exposed the gap between making saves at club level and commanding an international defence. His ball distribution was decent though, as he only misplaced the ball a handful of times.

Abdullahi Bewene – 6/10

Bewene had a busy evening against Russia's energetic attacking players. He struggled at times when Russia moved the ball quickly down Nigeria's right side, but his defensive work improved as the match progressed. He also progressed the ball really well and had a good understanding with the middfielders.

The Banik Ostrava defender showed enough athleticism and composure to suggest that there is something for Chelle to work with. He is definitely one to watch as he continues to improve on his game.

Benjamin Fredrick – 6/10

Fredrick looked more comfortable as the game developed. He had to deal with Russia's movement around the penalty area and was occasionally dragged away from his preferred defensive position.

Still, the Brentford youngster recovered well and contributed to Nigeria's improved defensive showing after the break. It is important to note that he has not played a lot of football in the past year, so the occasional lapses were not surprising. With more game time, he will get better and possibily become a mainstay for the Super Eagles.

Emmanuel Fernandez – 6/10

Fernandez endured a demanding first half as Russia repeatedly found spaces between the Super Eagles' midfield and defence. His positioning was not always perfect, particularly when Russia increased the tempo, but he became more assured after the interval.

Unfortunately for him, he caused the first goal, as he got caught on the ball while trying to play from the back. Nonetheless, he did well to pick himself up after that setback. The Rangers defender's physical presence was useful against Russia's forwards who looked really strong.

Isaac James – 5.5/10

James struggled to make the impact Nigeria needed from the left side. Russia found opportunities down his flank, while his contribution going forward was limited. He often appeared reluctant to advance aggressively, leaving the Super Eagles without enough width when trying to build attacks.

The Alverca defender has earned praise for his versatility at club level, but this was a reminder that translating that flexibility into international football will require more consistency. It could be that the occasion of making his international debut got to him. Moving forward, he will be looking to improve and do better.

Aderemi Adeoye – 6/10

Adeoye worked hard in a midfield that spent long periods without the ball. Russia dominated possession, finishing with more than 60 per cent of the ball, and that meant Nigeria's midfielders had to defend large spaces.

Adeoye struggled to impose himself early but helped the Super Eagles become more competitive before being replaced by Edokpolor. In reality, he could have been better, given the fact that he already understands how Chelle likes to play. Nonetheless, he is stilll young and there is a big room for improvement.

Stephen Michael – 6/10

Michael showed flashes of composure but found it difficult to influence the game consistently.

Russia's pressure meant Nigeria's midfield was often forced into defensive positions, limiting his ability to dictate play. It was not much of a surprise that he was replaced at half-time as Chelle changed the attacking structure.

Wilfred George Igor – 7/10

He was clearly the standout Nigerian midfielder. George Igor showed exactly why Chelle wanted to examine him against stronger opposition.

The Kristiansund midfielder was composed in possession, worked aggressively without the ball and helped Nigeria connect midfield with the attack.

He did not simply survive his first senior appearance, he looked comfortable in it.

His ability to combine physical work with sensible distribution was particularly encouraging, especially against a Russian midfield that controlled possession for large periods. At some point in the game, you could see that Chelle was really pleased with him. You should not be surprised to see his name on the Super Eagles invite list for the upcoming games.

Chibuzo Nwoko – 6/10

Nwoko had a decent debut. The Fulham midfielder worked hard defensively and showed willingness to challenge Russia's midfielders, but he struggled to maintain influence when Nigeria were forced deep.

But he looked really confident whever he had the ball, for a player who does not have a lot of senior football experience. There was a moment when he nearly played Moses Simon through on goal early in the game, but it did not work out. His willingness to take risks was impressive.

Although he picked up a yellow card late on, it was clear that he was tired.

Moses Simon – 6/10

Simon provided valuable experience to an otherwise inexperienced Nigeria side. He was one of the few players in the starting XI with substantial international experience and occasionally gave Russia problems with his movement.

However, he was unable to consistently impose himself – something that has been the hallmark of his career – before being replaced by Umar Abubakar in the 70th minute.

Kelechi Iheanacho – 7/10

Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles the perfect start with his composed finish in the 10th minute. He has been in form with his Bursaspor side this season, and he clearly brough that to the Super Eagles.

His goal showed the quality that remains available to Nigeria when he receives opportunities around the box.

He offered a useful focal point during the first half but was taken off at the interval as Chelle introduced Akor Adams and Abdullahi Umar.

Abdullahi Umar – 7/10

It was a hugely encouraging debut for the 19-year-old. Umar immediately gave Nigeria more movement in attack after coming on at half-time.

The young Hradec Králové striker repeatedly looked for space behind Russia's defence and gave the hosts a different problem to solve.

He did not score, but his energy and willingness to run beyond the defence helped Nigeria become more dangerous. For a player making his senior debut, Umar looked remarkably comfortable on the international stage.

Akor Adams – 7.5/10

Adams made the decisive contribution when Nigeria needed it most. Introduced at half-time, the Venezia striker remained a threat as the game opened up and eventually found the equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

After his disappointing performance against Guinea-Bissau, the goal was an important response. Tonight, he looked very alive, he was chasing down defenders and looked fiery, always urging on the younger players.

It was a good outing for the Nigerian striker. And hopefully, he can take this to his Venezia side.

Peter Edokpolor – 7/10

Edokpolor changed the game for the Super Eagles. The Benfica forward came on in the 70th minute and scored just eight minutes later to give Nigeria genuine hope of completing the comeback.

His movement immediately stretched Russia's defence, while his finishing showed impressive composure.

For a player making his senior debut, scoring against Russia and helping transform a 3-1 deficit into a 3-3 draw was an excellent introduction to international football.

Umar Abubakar – 6/10

Abubakar came on for Moses Simon and brought fresh energy to the attack.

He did not have enough time to make a decisive contribution but helped Nigeria maintain pressure during the closing stages.

Vince Osuji – 6/10

Osuji was introduced for Nwoko with seven minutes remaining.

He helped Nigeria retain their defensive structure as the team pushed for an equaliser and completed the comeback without making any major error.