The trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams were on target as a predominantly young Nigerian side played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against Russia at the latter’s Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.
The international friendly comes days after the three-time African champions were humiliated by Guinea-Bissau in a 3-0 rout as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification began across the continent.
Nigeria went ahead through Bursaspor forward Kelechi Iheanacho in the 10th minute who let fly a stunning low strike after a good work from Abdullahi Bewene.
The hosts pulled a goal back with half an hour played when Lechi Sadulaev found the net.
Matvey Kislyyak put the Russians ahead shortly before the half time break.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made two changes at half time as Akor and Abubakar Umar came off the substitutes bench in place of Michael Stephen and Iheanacho.
Russia made it 2-1 through Aleksey Miranchuk in the 54th minute.
Peter Edokpolor restored parity with 12 minutes to go with a clinical finish before Akor Adams finished off a great move to ensure the team did not suffer another negative defeat.
The team will regroup in November as they face 2027 AFCON co-hosts Tanzania in the qualifiers.
The games will be played on November 11 and 15.
