The Super Eagles of Nigeria scored in the final minute of added time to clawback a two-goal deficit and claim a 3-3 draw against Russia in their international friendly encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The Tuesday encounter between the familiar foes was dominated by withdrawal of several Nigerian players, and an unrecognized team fielded by coach Eric Chelle put up a valiant display to prevent a repeat of the defeat suffered at Guinea-Bissau last week.
Veterans Moses Simon and Iheanacho led the attack for Nigeria, and the latter put Nigeria ahead with a precise low shot from the edge of the penalty area on 10 minutes, but Russia rallied and capitalized on a defensive mistake by Emmanuel Fernandez to equalize on 30 minutes through Lechi Sadulaev’s side-footed effort.
The hosts took the lead just before the break through Matvey Kislyak who arrived in the box to slot home a deflect cross, giving Russia a 2-1 lead at halftime. Aleksey Miranchuk made it 3-1 nine minutes into the second half when his tame shot went in through the body of debutant goalkeeper Samuel James.
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Nigeria rallied for a response amid a flurry of changes, and substitute Osayande Peter Edokpolor saw his deflected curler find its way into the net to reduce the deficit on 78 minutes, before Adams equalized in added time with a precise finish that ensured the Super Eagles avoid defeat in their final match of the international break.
Nigeria conceded three goals in two consecutive games for the first under Chelle who earned a sixth draw on his 31st match ad Nigeria head coach.