International friendly | Nizhny Novgorod Stadium | Tuesday, 6 October 2026
By: Tunji Okunlola
Nigeria came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod, ending a mixed international break with a point and a show of character.
The Super Eagles started brightly and went ahead in the 10th minute when Kelechi Iheanacho finished calmly from the edge of the box. Russia then hit back to lead by two goals, but Peter Edokpolor pulled one back, and Akor Adams struck late to level the match.
A weakened squad
Coach Eric Chelle had only 19 players available after seven withdrawals. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and defender Victory Akpe pulled out injured, Moses Usor was stopped from travelling by his Austrian club LASK, and another player could not obtain the residence permit needed for the trip. The Nigeria Football Federation said clubs refusing to release players and injuries had seriously weakened the squad. Pre-match reports said goalkeeper Maduka Okoye would miss the game, with Nwabali expected in goal and Iheanacho leading a new-look side.
Context
The game came days after Nigeria lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, following an opening win over Madagascar. Russia, coached by Valery Karpin, arrived in good form after beating Iran 2-0 and Namibia 6-0. It was only the second meeting between the sides, after a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
Adams had faced criticism over his displays in the opening qualifiers, and his late goal was one of the night’s main talking points. One match rating from Afrik-Foot also singled out Edokpolor, Benjamin Fredrick and Abdullahi Bewene among Nigeria’s better performers.
What next
The Super Eagles return to competitive action when the AFCON qualifiers resume in November.
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