Nigeria produced a spirited second-half performance to complete a remarkable comeback and secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in Tuesday evening's international friendly.
Bursaspor forward Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring for Nigeria with a well-placed effort from outside the box that rolled into the bottom corner.
Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev, who capitalised on a defensive error from Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez to restore parity for the European side.
Matvey Kislyak then completed the turnaround towards the end of the first half, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper James Samuel to give Russia the lead before the break.
However, Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia's lead early in the second half with a composed finish past Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel James.
Substitute Peter Edokpolor pulled one back for the Super Eagles just minutes after coming on, curling a superb effort into the top corner to score Nigeria's second goal.
Akor Adams completed the comeback late in the encounter, calmly slotting home a layoff from fellow substitute Umar Abdullahi to rescue a draw for the Super Eagles.
Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the match.
Chelle hands ten players debuts against Russia
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle handed 10 players their international debuts in Nigeria's 3-1 defeat to Russia in Tuesday's friendly encounter.
The Malian tactician handed six players their first appearances for the Super Eagles from the start, with goalkeeper James Samuel, Isaac James, Aderemi Adeoye, Michael Stephen, George Wilfred and Chibuzor Nwoko all named in the starting XI.
The remaining four debutants, Abdullahi Umar, Peter Edokpolor, Umar Abubakar and Vince Osuji — were introduced in the second half.
Iheanacho scores on return to Super Eagles
Kelechi Iheanacho marked his return to the Super Eagles squad in style, scoring an impressive long-range effort to give Nigeria the lead against Russia.
The former Leicester City forward produced a powerful strike from outside the box to beat the Russian goalkeeper.
Iheanacho had been out of the national team for some time after struggling with form and injuries at club level.
However, he has rediscovered his best form in Turkey following his summer move to Bursaspor, earning a recall to the Super Eagles for the international friendly.
Maksimenko struggles in Safonov's absence
Spartak Moscow goalkeeper Aleksandr Maksimenko failed to make the most of his opportunity in the absence of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who was unavailable for the encounter.
Maksimenko will be disappointed with his contribution to Nigeria's opener, as he was unable to keep out Iheanacho's powerful effort from outside the box.
Safonov's absence had provided Maksimenko with an opportunity to impress against Nigeria, but Iheanacho's superb finish ensured the Spartak Moscow shot-stopper endured a difficult start to the encounter.
Improved second-half performance from Nigeria
The Super Eagles produced a much-improved second-half performance to complete a remarkable comeback and secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in Tuesday's international friendly.
Russia dominated proceedings in the first half despite Nigeria taking an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho. The European side continued to control the game after the restart and extended their advantage shortly after the interval.
However, Nigeria seized the initiative late in the encounter, with Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams scoring to complete the comeback and rescue a draw for the Super Eagles.
Edokpolor scores on debut as Abdullahi makes impact from bench
Benfica youngster Peter Edokpolor marked his Super Eagles debut with a goal as Nigeria mounted a second-half comeback against Russia.
Edokpolor curled a superb effort into the top corner just minutes after his introduction to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and give Nigeria renewed hope of completing the comeback.
Another substitute, Umar Abdullahi, also made a strong impact after coming on, constantly troubling the Russian defence before providing the assist for Akor Adams to score Nigeria's late equaliser.
Adeyemi Adewale
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