Nigeria Super Eagles secure dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly held in Nizhny Novgorod. Despite fielding a depleted squad with several key players unavailable due to club restrictions, Nigeria staged a significant second-half comeback. Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Russia responded with goals from Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak to lead 2-1 at halftime. Russia extended their lead to 3-1 early in the second half via Aleksey Miranchuk, but Nigeria rallied through Peter Edokpolor and a stoppage-time equalizer from Akor Adams.

Head coach Eric Chelle utilized the match to test squad depth, handing debuts to several players, including goalkeeper Samuel James. The result provides a measure of redemption following a recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

In youth football, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have named a 25-man squad for the WAFU-B U-17 Championship in Burkina Faso. Led by coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere, the team aims to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast has also announced its squad for the same tournament, with players aiming for a third consecutive qualification.