The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Russia today.
Nigeria went into the game without many of their senior players, who withdrew from the invitation because of injuries, club disapproval, visa problems and other related issues.
The Super Eagles started well and took the lead in the 10th minute through Iheanacho, who finished off a pass from Bewene. Russia responded in the 30th minute as Sadulaev equalised from a Kislyak assist.
Russia then completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time when Kislyak found the net in the 45+2nd minute to send his side into the break 2-1 ahead. Sadulaev and Oblyakov were booked during the first half.
Nigeria made two changes at the start of the second half, with Umar replacing Iheanacho and Adams coming on for Michael. Russia added a third goal in the 54th minute through Miranchuk, who converted Sobolev’s assist to make it 3-1.
Nigeria kept fighting and pulled one back in the 78th minute through substitute Edokpolor, who had come on eight minutes earlier. The Super Eagles then completed the comeback with another late goal to level the game at 3-3.
Russia had more of the ball throughout the match, finishing with 63% possession against Nigeria’s 37%. They also recorded 15 shots compared to Nigeria’s eight, with six shots on target to Nigeria’s four. Russia had 42 touches in Nigeria’s penalty area, while the Super Eagles managed seven. They also created three big chances compared to Nigeria’s zero and won seven corners to Nigeria’s three.
Nigeria’s next match after the Russia friendly will be against Tanzania on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at home, in Matchday 3 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Super Eagles will then travel to face Tanzania four days later, on November 15, for the return fixture. Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania
