Iheanacho Scores as Super Eagles Fight Back to 3-3 Draw With Russia in Friendly Thriller

The Super Eagles came from two goals behind to draw 3-3 with Russia in a friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, with an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Nigeria trailed 3-1 in the second half. Peter Osayande Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute, and Akor Adams struck in the fourth minute of added time to level the game. Winger Umar Abubakar set up the late goal.

Kelechi Iheanacho gave Éric Chelle's side the lead inside 10 minutes, on his return to the squad after missing the recent AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Russia hit back through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute, and Matvey Kislyak put them ahead in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. Aleksey Miranchuk made it 3-1 in the 54th minute, and it looked as if the hosts would cruise home.

From 3-1 down to 3-3, the Super Eagles have found a way back 🇳🇬🔥 Akor Adams scores his 7th goal in 18 apps for Nigeria. FT: Russia 3-3 Nigeria #IntlFriendly https://t.co/28Uyw1Oaho

— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) October 6, 2026

Russia had most of the ball, with 62 per cent possession and 15 shots to Nigeria's nine. The Super Eagles still found a way back.

Chelle used a much-changed side. Captain Wilfred Ndidi pulled out injured, Raphael Onyedika was not released by Eintracht Frankfurt, and Victory Akpe also withdrew. That opened the door for several fringe players, including 19-year-old Benfica forward Edokpolor, who made the most of his chance.

The result gives Nigeria a boost after their 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau, and they stay unbeaten against Russia. 

The two sides also drew 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025. Russia had won their last four games, including a 6-0 win over Namibia.