Russia 3-3 Nigeria: Super Eagles Fight Back in Nizhny Novgorod

Russia 3-3 Nigeria was a wild friendly, and the Super Eagles were lucky to leave with a point. Eric Chelle’s depleted side trailed twice in Nizhny Novgorod, but Akor Adams struck deep in stoppage time to rescue a draw. Here is how the goals came, who made their debuts and what comes next in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

What was the Russia vs Nigeria score?

Russia and Nigeria drew 3-3 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. It was a friendly, so no points were at stake. TASS reported a crowd of 40,126, and the referee was Nikola Dabanovic of Montenegro. It was also cold, at about 4 degrees. Chelle said his players are used to 30 to 35 degrees at home.

• About 10′: Kelechi Iheanacho shoots into the top corner, and Nigeria lead 1-0.
• 30′: Lechi Sadulaev equalises for Russia, 1-1.
• 45+2′: Matvey Kislyak makes it 2-1 to Russia just before half-time.
• 54′: Aleksey Miranchuk adds a third, 3-1.
• 78′: Peter Edokpolor gets one back for Nigeria, and the shot reportedly deflects in, 3-2.
• 90+4′: Akor Adams finishes a counter-attack to make it 3-3.

Our Nigeria vs Russia preview had Russia or a draw as the likelier result. The game ended level, but only after a late scare for both sides. Sources differ by a minute on some goals, so the times above are approximate.

Who played for Nigeria against Russia?

Chelle named a young, experimental team with five debutants in the starting line-up, including goalkeeper Samuel James. Nine players made their Super Eagles debuts over the 90 minutes. Reports say Moses Simon captained the side. Iheanacho also played his first Nigeria game since the 2025 Unity Cup.

The starting group also included Abdullahi Bewene, Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez. Reports differ on which players were debutants, so we have not tried to list all nine names. You can see the current player pool on our Super Eagles squad page.

Why was the Super Eagles squad so weak against Russia?

Seven players missed the trip, and the reasons were mostly out of Chelle’s hands. According to Afrik-Foot, Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Akpe were injured. Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ridwan Popoola and Moses Usor were not released by their clubs. Suleiman Mubarak could not get a residence permit. As a result, many players came from the under-23 pool.

Chelle explained it after the game. He said the team had difficulties because some clubs did not want to release players. He added that some young players “showed that they are capable” of joining the main team in future.

How did the Super Eagles come back against Russia?

They hit back through substitutes and a late counter-attack. Abdullahi Umar came on at half-time, and Adams came off the bench in the second half. Edokpolor is a 19-year-old winger from Benfica B. He arrived about 20 minutes from the end. Then he scored his first senior goal on his debut.

Russia looked comfortable at 3-1, because they had beaten Namibia 6-0 three days earlier. However, Edokpolor’s goal reopened the game. Then, deep in stoppage time, a move started by Fernandez. Umar’s pass gave Adams the chance to level. Russia had more of the ball, about 63% to 37% by one count. But Nigeria showed late spirit.

Chelle was not fully happy, though. He said he did not like the team’s reaction after the first goal. Instead of playing forward, he said, the side passed sideways and backwards, and Russia pressed them.

How did Russia play and what did Karpin say?

Russia had won their last four games without conceding, so the three goals ended a good run. They had beaten Iran 2-0 on 29 September and Namibia 6-0 on 3 October. It was also the first time Russia conceded three goals under coach Valery Karpin. Russia remain banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions, so they can only play friendlies.

Karpin was unhappy with his defence. He said the goals were “an accident”, and he disputed Chelle’s talk of tactical changes. Even so, he called it one of the best games of his time in charge. The two sides also drew 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025.

Which Super Eagles stood out against Russia?

Adams and Edokpolor were the headline names, because they scored the late goals. Umar was rated 8 out of 10 by Africa Soccer for his half-time impact. Iheanacho took his goal well, with a left-footed shot into the top corner after Bewene’s pass. He now has 15 goals for Nigeria, according to NAN.

Defensively, though, Nigeria again looked fragile. The side has now conceded six goals in two games, after the 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau. Read the Guinea-Bissau 3-0 Nigeria report for the full picture.

What happens next for the Super Eagles?

Nigeria return in November for a double-header against co-hosts Tanzania in AFCON 2027 qualifying. The games fall in the 9 to 17 November window, but we could not confirm exact dates. After two games, Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points. Nigeria have three, while Tanzania and Madagascar have one each, according to CAF. Only one team from the group can qualify, because Tanzania are already in as hosts.

Chelle said he will have about ten days to decide who to keep working with in November. So the debutants have a real chance to stay in the squad. Exact dates and kick-off times will appear on our Super Eagles fixtures page once confirmed. Premier League action also resumes this weekend, so follow our Premier League predictions for the Nigerians in England.

FAQ: Russia 3-3 Nigeria