Pius Ayinor
Despite sending out a depleted side, Nigeria put up a credible showing to finish in a 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly match in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.
Compared to their last two matches, the three-time African champions showed great character and commitment in a strong performance.
In an electrifying display of grit and tactical resolve, a youthful Super Eagles side twice came from behind to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia on foreign soil. Head Coach Éric Chelle handed international debuts to five players in a heavily rotated lineup designed to test the squad’s competitive depth.
Only six players in the starting XI: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene, and Aderemi Adeoye had previously featured for the three-time African champions. Nigeria drew first blood in the 11th minute through returning forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Receiving a precise pass on the edge of the penalty area from Abdullahi Bewene, Iheanacho uncharacteristically unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive into the top corner, notching his 15th international goal in Nigerian colours. Despite controlling early possession, defensive lapses by Nigeria allowed Russia back into the match.
The hosts levelled after breaking down the Nigerian rear-guard to beat debutant goalkeeper Samuel James, before taking a 2-1 lead into the interval following a defensive let-off on the stroke of halftime. Russia extended their advantage to 3-1 nine minutes into the second period, prompting Chelle to introduce fresh legs from the bench.
The substitutions injected immediate urgency into Nigeria’s attack. Substitute Umar Abdullahi came close to pulling one back in the 73rd minute after intercepting high up the pitch following strong work from Isaac James. Five minutes later, 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor made an immediate impact off the bench. The youngster drove aggressively through the Russian defense before firing an unstoppable strike past the goalkeeper in the 78th minute to make it 3-2.
With momentum firmly behind the Super Eagles, Chelle introduced Vince Osuji for Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute to maintain central balance as Nigeria pushed forward. The relentless pressure paid off in the fourth minute of added time.
Emmanuel Fernandez initiated a swift counter-attack with a header from the back, finding Abdullahi, who squared intelligently for fellow substitute Akor Adams to turn home a 94th-minute equalizer.
In all, nine players made their Super Eagles debut on Tuesday night.
