Nigeria's Super Eagles Draw 3-3 with Russia in Friendly

In an international friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nigeria's national football team, under coach Eric Chelle, drew 3-3 with Russia on October 7, 2026. This match followed Nigeria's disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Chelle fielded a heavily rotated squad, giving debuts to nine players, with only six starters having prior experience with the team. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, marking his 15th international goal.

However, Russia equalized through Lechi Sadulaev and took the lead with goals from Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk. Nigeria responded with a goal from debutant Peter Edokpolor in the 78th minute, and Akor Adams scored a dramatic equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Despite missing key players like Wilfred Ndidi, the match showcased the young squad's fighting spirit. Nigeria will next face Tanzania in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in November.