Nigeria rescue 3-3 draw with Russia after Chelle’s tactical change

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said a change to his attacking approach helped Nigeria recover from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Russia in Tuesday’s friendly.

Nigeria took an early lead when Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the 10th minute, but Russia responded by turning the match around and appeared to be heading for victory after taking a two-goal advantage.

Chelle’s side, however, finished strongly. Benfica debutant Peter Edokpolor, a 19-year-old, reduced the deficit in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the comeback with a 94th-minute equaliser.

Umar Abubakar, who was also making his first appearance for the Super Eagles, came close to restoring parity earlier in the closing stages. His effort in the 91st minute was kept out by an outstanding save from the Russian goalkeeper. Abubakar later provided the assist for Adams’ late goal.

Chelle said his players had adapted well after Russia established control towards the end of the first half and maintained that momentum after the interval.

“The game was good for both teams, Russia had momentum towards the end of the first half, and in the beginning of the second half it was the same,” he said.

“But we found a solution because tactically we changed something about our strikers and they (Russia) couldn’t find a solution and this is why we scored two goals in transition.

“So, the state of mind of my team was very good, I’m proud of my players.”

The Nigeria manager gave a number of players their international debuts after withdrawals left many of the established Super Eagles first-team players unavailable.

Several of the newcomers impressed during the match, and Chelle suggested that some could now be considered for Nigeria’s next FIFA window.

The Super Eagles are due to face Tanzania in a 2027 AFCON qualifier in November.

“We had two objectives, the 2027 AFCON and the Olympic games and like I said in yesterday’s press conference we had problems bringing some players because their clubs didn’t allow them,” said Chelle.

“So we came with some of the players who we plan to use for the U-23, and with what they showed us maybe some of them will be in the Super Eagles in the next FIFA window.”

The draw followed another high-scoring meeting between the two teams, with Nigeria recovering from a difficult spell after Russia’s three goals had put the hosts in a commanding position. The late response ensured Chelle’s experimental squad left with a share of the result.