By Ben Efe 7.10.2026
Nigeria Football Federation officials are hopeful the Super Eagles will put their Africa Nations Cup qualifier campaign back on track after the show of grit in their 3-3 draw against Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly.
Against Guinea Bissau playing with its regulars, the Super Eagles failed to put up a halfhearted effort as they slump to 3-0 defeat in Bissau. They had also struggled against Madagascar in Uyo, but for newcomers Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena who rescued the Super Eagles.
Against Russia coach Eric Chelle started five debutants and four others came in as subs, and they claw themselves back from 3-1 down to level the game.
Acting NFF secretary-general Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the match in Nizhny Novgorod gave hope that the Super Eagles can do well in the AFCON qualifiers.
“This is the Super Eagles we want to see turn up each and every time.
“The NFF and the Nigeria football family, and I believe all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, are happy with this result. More than the result, the character displayed by the team was remarkable and made us proud,” Dr Ikpeme said.
“Given that we had so many young players with many of them winning their first caps, the result is heartwarming.”
He added that the spirit of doggedness and intention must be carried to next month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13th November before flying to Dar es Salaam to confront the same team inside the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.
Peter Edokpolo bravely taking on Russian defence.