Nigeria recovered from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, despite fielding a depleted and heavily rotated side.
The three-time African champions showed considerable character as a youthful Super Eagles team twice came from behind against the hosts. Head coach Eric Chelle handed international debuts to five players in a starting line-up selected to test the depth of his squad.
Only six of Nigeria’s starters had previously represented the team: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene and Aderemi Adeoye.
Nigeria made the stronger start and took the lead in the 11th minute through Iheanacho, who was returning to the side. After receiving a precise pass from Abdullahi Bewene on the edge of the penalty area, the forward produced a powerful left-footed finish into the top corner.
The goal was Iheanacho’s 15th for Nigeria. However, defensive errors allowed Russia to recover after the Super Eagles had enjoyed the majority of the early possession.
The hosts eventually found a way through the Nigerian defence to beat debutant goalkeeper Samuel James and level the match. Russia then moved ahead shortly before half-time after Nigeria were given a defensive reprieve, taking a 2-1 lead into the break.
Russia extended their advantage nine minutes into the second half, making it 3-1 and prompting Chelle to turn to his substitutes.
The changes quickly gave Nigeria greater urgency in attack. Umar Abdullahi nearly reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute after winning possession high up the pitch following determined work by Isaac James.
Five minutes later, Nigeria pulled another goal back through 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor. The substitute drove forward through the Russian defence before sending an unstoppable shot beyond the goalkeeper in the 78th minute.
With the Super Eagles pressing for an equaliser, Chelle brought on Vince Osuji for Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute to preserve the team’s central balance.
Nigeria’s pressure finally produced a reward in the fourth minute of added time. Emmanuel Fernandez began a quick counter-attack with a header from deep, picking out Abdullahi. He then delivered an intelligent square pass for fellow substitute Akor Adams, who turned the ball home in the 94th minute.
The late equaliser completed a determined recovery for Nigeria, who finished the match with nine players making their Super Eagles debuts on Tuesday night.