Today, a Super Eagles team that gave as many as nine debuts held hosts Russia to a thrilling 3-3 draw in a friendly.
It was an encouraging performance by Nigeria, who were without several established stars due to various reasons.
Coach Eric Chelle also used this game to get a closer look at several young players ahead of next month’s U23 AFCON qualifier against DR Congo and so the number of debutants on the day.
Crazy goal from 19-year-old Peter Edokpolor. A substitute for Moses Simon. https://t.co/D48zvIkB39
— Nigeria Scout (@9jaPlayersNews) October 6, 2026
Kelechi Iheanacho underlined his top form in Turkey when he opened scoring for Nigeria after just 10 minutes, when his strike from outside the box sneaked in through the near post.
Russia drew level on the half hour after a mistake by Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez and in first half added time, the home team fired a second goal to the delight of the 35,000 fans at the game.
Russia increased their lead in the 53rd minute as a reward for their dominance.
Somehow, the experimental Super Eagles found a second gear thanks to several attacking changes to pull a goal back through Benfica youngster and debutant Peter Edokpolor in the 77th minute with the help of a slight deflection.
In stoppage time, substitute Jerome Akor salvaged a result for the Eagles when he latched on to a delightful through ball by another debutant Abdullahi Umar.
