Super Eagles: 3 biggest winners from Nigeria’s draw against Russia

The Super Eagles may have been forced to settle for a 3-3 draw against Russia, but the friendly produced several positive individual performances for Eric Chelle.

Nigeria looked set for another disappointing result after surrendering an early lead and falling 3-1 behind shortly after half-time.

Kelechi Iheanacho gave the three-time African Champions the perfect start with a superb finish in the 10th minute, but Lechi Sadulaev, Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk turned the game around for Russia.

However, Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the comeback with a 94th-minute equaliser.

For Chelle, the result was less important than what he learned from a squad containing several unfamiliar faces and players hoping to establish themselves in his plans.

Super Eagles: 3 biggest winners from Nigeria’s draw against Russia

1. Kelechi Iheanacho

Iheanacho was arguably the biggest winner from the friendly because his return to the Super Eagles produced what Nigeria needed from an experienced forward, a goal.

The Bursaspor striker opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, bending a superb effort beyond Russian goalkeeper Aleksandr Maksimenko.

It was an important moment for the 30-year-old, who had not featured for Nigeria since the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica.

The goal came at a time when his club form has been impossible to ignore. Afrik-Foot’s player ratings noted that Iheanacho has now scored 12 goals in nine matches across all competitions this season.

His goal against Russia strengthened the argument that his return to the national team should not be viewed solely as an experiment.

Chelle has several younger attacking options to consider, but Iheanacho reminded the coach that experience and finishing ability still have considerable value, especially since that attribute wasn’t on display in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

2. Peter Edokpolor

If Iheanacho showed why established players still matter, Edokpolor demonstrated why Chelle should continue looking beyond Nigeria’s traditional options.

The Benfica B winger was introduced in the 71st minute with Nigeria trailing 3-1.

Within seven minutes, the 19-year-old had scored his first international goal and spurred Nigeria on for a comeback.

Edokpolor gave Russia’s defence a different problem. Rather than recycle possession, he took defenders on, and the willingness eventually paid off when his effort found the net after taking a deflection.

19-year-old Peter Edokpolor scores on his debut, what a goal from the Moses Simon substitute. pic.twitter.com/JEj9l179ep

— Nigeria Scout (@9jaPlayersNews) October 6, 2026

He was thrown into a difficult situation with Nigeria two goals behind and responded by giving Chelle a goal, and the mentality to prove that he can turn things around.

The youngster may still have plenty to learn, but his debut has shown that he’s one to keep for the future.

3. Umar Abubakar

Abubakar did not score against Russia, but his contribution to Nigeria’s dramatic comeback was important.

The Famalicão striker entered in the 71st minute and was deployed towards the right side of the attack rather than in his natural central position.

That decision allowed him to use his pace against the tiring Russian defence.

His first attempt showed the qualities he could bring in one-on-one situations, but his biggest contribution came in stoppage time.

With Nigeria searching desperately for an equaliser, Abubakar produced the decisive piece of individual quality before unselfishly laying the ball off for Akor Adams, who finished to make it 3-3.

While the Super Eagles already have several recognised centre-forwards, Abubakar showed that he can be relied upon from a wider position, and if he’s not getting on the end of chances, he can be creating them.

The 3-3 draw exposed plenty of problems for Nigeria, but it also gave Chelle three encouraging stories.

Iheanacho showed that his scoring form didn’t stop at club level, Edokpolor announced himself with a fearless debut, while Abubakar provided the assist that rescued the Super Eagles.

For all three, Russia may have been the beginning of something bigger.