Akor Adams’ Late Strike Earns Super Eagles Thrilling 3-3 Draw Against Russia

The Super Eagles staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an entertaining international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

Nigeria took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho, who struck in the 10th minute with a well-taken effort from the edge of the box.

Russia responded in the 30th minute when Lechi Sadulaev capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score.

The hosts then completed the turnaround shortly before half-time, with Matvey Kislyak putting Russia ahead to send the hosts into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

Russia extended their lead nine minutes into the second half when Aleksey Miranchuk found the net to make it 3-1.

With Nigeria facing another disappointing result after their recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, coach Eric Chelle made changes in an attempt to turn the game around.

The substitutions helped the Super Eagles regain momentum, and 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute with a powerful finish after driving through the Russian defence.

Nigeria continued pushing forward as the match entered its closing stages, with the Super Eagles searching for an equaliser.

Their persistence finally paid off in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Emmanuel Fernandez launched a counter-attack with a long ball, Umar Abdullahi provided the final pass, and Akor Adams kept his composure to fire home and make it 3-3.

The late goal completed Nigeria’s comeback from two goals down and denied Russia victory after the hosts had appeared to be in control.

The result also means Nigeria remain unbeaten against Russia, following their 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.

The Super Eagles went into the friendly with several regular players unavailable because of injuries and club restrictions, giving Chelle an opportunity to assess a heavily changed squad.

Russia had entered the match in confident form after a 6-0 victory over Namibia in their previous friendly.

For Nigeria, the 3-3 draw provided a positive ending to an otherwise difficult international window and demonstrated the team’s ability to fight back under pressure.

The Super Eagles will next turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Tanzania awaiting them in November.