By Ben Efe
Super Eagles youngsters impress in 6 goals Russia v Nigeria international friendly thriller
Nigeria’s Super Eagles parading five first timers held Russia to a thrilling 3-3 draw Tuesday evening at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium Russia.
Kelechi Iheanacho opened scoring in the 10th minute rattling the Russians who had on Saturday beaten Namibia 6-0 and were looking for another goal fest against a Super Eagles team without its first team players.
Stunned by the goal set up by Abdulahi Bewane the Russians came back into the game and they pushed the Super Eagles harder dominating possession and threatening with short passes; Lechi Sadulaev gave the home crowd something to cheer when he levelled up for Russia.
The pressure on the Super Eagles defence with Benjamin Frederick and Emmanuel Fernandez in centre, Samuel James and Bewane at the flanks, yielded results for the Russians just before the break when Matvey Kislyak cashed on half clearance by Fernandez to put Russia 2-1 ahead.
Akor Adams came in for Michael Stephen and Abubakar Umar also replaced Ihenacho, but the change did not stop Russia from dominating… they scrambled in the third goal in the 54th minute.
However, the Super Eagles regained momentum and in the 78th minute newcomer Peter Edokpolor who replaced Adeyemi Adeoye latched on counterattack move and worked his way into the Russian box from the left, his deflected shot beat Maxim Maksimenko to bring Nigeria back into the game.
Umar and Akor substitution finally paid off for coach Eric Chelle when Umar set up Adams to bring the game level for the Super Eagles in injury time.
The draw is a moral booster to the team after their dismal performance in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau losing 3-0 after they had struggled to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo. With the fresh legs to available, coach Chelle can make a good selection and get better results when the AFCON qualifier resume