AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a remarkable late fightback to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The result was shaped by two very different halves. Nigeria started brightly and took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho, but Russia turned the game around with three unanswered goals from Lechi Sadulaev, Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk.
With the Super Eagles seemingly heading for defeat, Éric Chelle’s substitutions changed the momentum of the contest. Peter Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the comeback in stoppage time, with Nigeria showing considerable character to rescue a point.
Chelle was forced to work with a depleted squad, with injuries and club-related absences contributing to a heavily rotated starting XI. Several players were also handed their senior debuts.
The draw means Nigeria remain unbeaten against Russia after the two nations played out a 1-1 draw in Moscow in 2025.
Super Eagles Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Samuel James — 5.5/10
Making his senior debut, James was handed a difficult introduction to international football. He conceded three goals and could arguably have done more to keep out Miranchuk’s effort. However, he showed composure at various points and will gain valuable experience from a demanding outing.
Defenders
Abdullahi Bewene — 7/10
One of Nigeria’s more impressive performers. Bewene combined effectively with Iheanacho for the opening goal and offered plenty of energy from right-back. He was adventurous going forward while maintaining reasonable defensive discipline.
Benjamin Fredrick — 6.5/10
Fredrick competed strongly in central defence and showed good physical presence. He also attempted to organise a back line that came under sustained pressure during Russia’s strongest spell.
Emmanuel Fernandez — 6/10
A mixed outing for Fernandez. He was involved in some of the defensive problems that allowed Russia to turn the game around, but remained committed and contributed as Nigeria pushed for a way back into the contest.
Isaac James — 6/10
The left-back was another player making his senior debut. He showed confidence when moving forward and offered an attacking outlet, although Nigeria’s defensive structure struggled collectively during Russia’s three-goal spell.
Midfielders
Chibuzo Nwoko — 6.5/10
The Fulham youngster made an encouraging senior debut. Nwoko showed energy, competed for the ball and was willing to engage physically in midfield. A yellow card came during a committed performance before he was eventually substituted.
Aderemi Adeoye — 6/10
Adeoye worked diligently in a defensive midfield role, particularly when Russia began to dominate possession. His primary task was to protect the defence, and although he struggled to completely contain Russia’s midfield, he remained disciplined throughout.
Stephen Michael / Wilfred George Igor — 5.5–6/10
The midfield pairing provided plenty of industry but found it difficult to impose themselves on the game. Russia’s organisation and control of possession limited their influence, prompting Chelle to make changes as he looked for a more attacking approach.
Forwards
Kelechi Iheanacho — 7.5/10
A memorable return to the Super Eagles.
Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 10th minute with an excellent long-range strike and looked lively during his time on the pitch. He also linked play effectively and gave Nigeria an early platform before being withdrawn at half-time.
Moses Simon — 6.5/10
The captain led by example with his usual work rate and intensity. Simon attempted to create opportunities and provided valuable leadership to a relatively inexperienced side before making way in the second half.
Substitutes Make the Difference
Akor Adams — 8/10
Adams delivered when Nigeria needed him most.
Introduced at half-time, the forward gradually grew into the game and remained a threat as Nigeria increased the pressure late on. His stoppage-time equaliser completed an unlikely comeback and provided a timely response after recent criticism.
Peter Edokpolor — 8/10
What a way to announce yourself on the international stage.
The 19-year-old Benfica forward made his senior debut and immediately changed the game. His 78th-minute goal, coming after a determined forward run and a deflection, gave Nigeria renewed belief.
Beyond the goal, Edokpolor displayed directness and composure that belied his lack of senior international experience.
Umar Abubakar — 7.5/10
Abubakar was another important contributor to Nigeria’s late revival. His introduction added pace and creativity to the flanks, and he played a decisive role by providing the assist for Adams’ stoppage-time equaliser.
Others, including Vince Osuji — 6/10
The late introductions helped Nigeria maintain pressure during the final stages, although limited time on the pitch meant they had little opportunity to make a significant individual impact.
Overall Team Rating: 7/10
Nigeria’s performance was far from perfect, but their response after falling 3-1 behind will be the biggest source of encouragement for Chelle.
The Super Eagles looked vulnerable defensively during Russia’s three-goal spell, with the midfield also struggling to control the game. However, the final 30 minutes demonstrated the attacking potential within a depleted squad.
Iheanacho’s goal provided an early highlight, while the performances of Edokpolor, Adams and Abubakar from the bench ultimately changed the outcome.
For Edokpolor in particular, the night could prove to be an important milestone. At just 19, the Benfica forward announced himself with a goal on his senior debut and offered another reminder of the emerging talent available to Nigeria.
The 3-3 draw also demonstrated something that has been a recurring feature of the Super Eagles under Chelle: resilience.
After trailing by two goals, Nigeria could have allowed the game to drift away. Instead, they continued to push, found a way back and secured a result that keeps their unbeaten record against Russia intact.
There is still work to do, particularly defensively, but the character shown in Nizhny Novgorod will give Chelle plenty to build on ahead of Nigeria’s decisive AFCON qualification fixtures against Tanzania in November.
For a team missing several established players, the Super Eagles leave Russia with more than just a point. They leave with evidence that their depth is beginning to produce players capable of making an impact when the pressure is highest.
