Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has explained how Nigeria fought back to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in Tuesday evening's international friendly.
Nigeria took an early lead in the first half but struggled to contain the European side, who turned the game around to take a 3-1 lead shortly after the restart.
However, the Super Eagles produced a spirited late comeback, scoring twice towards the end of the encounter to rescue a draw against Russia.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle admitted Russia had the better moments towards the end of the first half and early in the second period.
"This is a draw. We have a moment at the beginning of the first half. They had big moments at the end of the first half," Chelle said.
"This is why they scored two goals. In the beginning of the second half it was the same."
The Super Eagles manager said tactical adjustments, particularly involving the strikers, helped Nigeria find a way back into the game.
"We found a solution because tactically we changed something about our strikers. At the end of the second half, they didn't find a solution and that's why we scored two goals in transition," he explained.
The Malian tactician lauded the team's second-half performance and praised the players for their effort and determination in completing the comeback.
"The second half of my team was very good. I applauded my players. And like I said to my guy on my left side, the hero of the game is the football," he concluded.
The former Mali coach will be pleased to have avoided defeat against the European side following Nigeria's disappointing 0-3 loss to Guinea-Bissau.
Adeyemi Adewale
Photo Credit: Mikhail Shapaev, RFU
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