Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday held hosts Russia to a thrilling 3-3 draw in an international friendly.
Coach Eric Chelle fielded a squad largely made up of fresh faces, with injuries and club restrictions ruling out several regular players for the encounter.
The Nigerians made a bright start, taking the lead in the 10th minute through Kelechi Iheanacho, whose long-range effort caught the Russian goalkeeper off guard.
Russia, however, fought back and levelled in the 30th minute through Sadulaev, before Kislyak struck in added time to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.
Buoyed by their vociferous home crowd, Russia extended their advantage in the 54th minute when Miranchuk’s shot took a deflection off the Nigerian goalkeeper and found the net.
Nigeria reduced the deficit in the 78th minute through 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor.
The Super Eagles continued to press for an equaliser and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Umar Abdullahi provided the assist for Akor Adams to score and secure a 3-3 draw for Nigeria.
