Russia 3-3 Super Eagles: Debutant Benfica star scores to help Nigeria secure six-goal thriller draw

Peter Edokpolor netted on debut as the Super Eagles rallied back to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly game on Tuesday.

Nigeria had entered the final 20 minutes of the clash trailing by two goals, but Eric Chelle’s side scored twice to secure a 3-3 result and prevent another defeat.

The three-time African champions had entered the clash on the back of a disappointing defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Russia 3-3 Super Eagles: Iheanacho scores on return in entertaining draw

Nigeria’s preparations for the encounter were hit by several setbacks, with a number of late withdrawals from the squad while some players were not allowed to link up with the national team by their clubs.

Despite the challenges, Eric Chelle named five debutants in the starting lineup. Iheanacho also returned to the Super Eagles for the first time since the 2025 Unity Cup tournament, while Moses Simon captained the side. Akor Adams, meanwhile, started the game on the bench.

Iheanacho made an instant impact on his return, giving Nigeria the lead in the 10th minute. The Bursaspor forward, who recently explained why he preferred a move to the Turkish club, controlled the ball before playing it to Abdullahi Bewene. The youngster returned the pass to Iheanacho, who fired a superb effort from outside the box into the near post to beat the goalkeeper.

Russia responded on the half-hour mark when Lechi Sadulayev found the back of the net, beating Nigerian debutant goalkeeper James Samuel to level the score.

The game looked set to go into the break level, but Russia completed the turnaround shortly before halftime.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Matvey Kislyak put the hosts ahead after a brilliant passing move, with Russia working the ball around before Kislyak finished the move to make it 2-1.

Edokpolor scores on debut in second half

Russia extended their advantage early in the second half when Aleksey Miranchuk took advantage of poor defending to make it 3-1.

The Nigerian defence failed to deal with the danger, while goalkeeper James Samuel could also have done better with the effort.

FULL-TIME: Nigeria fight back from two goals down to snatch a 3-3 draw against Russia, with goals from Kelechi Iheanacho, Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams. #RUSNGA🇳🇬🦅 pic.twitter.com/RHVnQ82zxt

— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 6, 2026

Eric Chelle then introduced Peter Edokpolor for his Super Eagles debut, and the youngster quickly made his mark.

Edokpolor won the ball in midfield before driving forward and firing an effort towards goal. His shot took a deflection on its way in, giving Nigeria a much-needed second goal and setting up a tense finish.

Akor Adams nets late equaliser

The Super Eagles pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and it looked as if Russia was heading for a win until Adams struck late in the game.

The Venezia forward, who had come under criticism for his performances in both of Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers and had backed the team to improve, made up with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal a come from behind 3-3 draw.

What next for the Super Eagles?

Chelle’s men will now regroup ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against co-hosts Tanzania in November.

Nigeria’s task has now become much more difficult, with only one team set to qualify from the group.

The Super Eagles currently have three points, three behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, leaving them with little room for further mistakes.

Nigeria must now avoid defeat in their next games to keep their qualification hopes alive and prevent another major disappointment.