Russia head coach Valery Karpin has dismissed Eric Chelle’s explanation that tactical changes helped the Super Eagles stage a remarkable comeback in Tuesday’s 3-3 international friendly draw in Nizhny Novgorod.
Nigeria appeared to be heading for defeat after Russia established a 3-1 advantage early in the second half.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Super Eagles an early lead in the 10th minute, but Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak turned the game around before the break.
Aleksey Miranchuk then extended Russia’s advantage in the 54th minute, putting the hosts in a strong position to claim victory.
However, Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed Nigeria’s comeback with an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Following the match, Chelle suggested that changes made to Nigeria’s attacking approach after the interval had caused problems for the Russian side.
Karpin, however, rejected the idea that Nigeria’s comeback was the result of significant tactical adjustments.
Asked whether he agreed with Chelle’s assessment, the Russia coach responded bluntly: “What tactical changes? He fielded different players, and that was it. What other tactical changes were there?”
Karpin was also questioned about Russia’s defensive performance after conceding three goals despite holding a two-goal advantage late in the match. He attributed the goals to mistakes rather than a broader tactical problem.
“It was an accident. Absolutely. The first goal – it was clear what happened. The episode with the third goal was quite strange,” the Russia coach said.
Russia had controlled large portions of the contest and remained in front after Nigeria scored its second goal.
Karpin said he never felt his team was in danger of surrendering the result, insisting that his players continued to control proceedings.
“No, there was no such premonition. We continued to dominate the game. We conceded another goal after an error on our own during a goal kick,” Karpin concluded.
Wale Adejumo
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