Super Eagles Draw 3-3 With Russia as Akor Adams Scores Late Equaliser
Akor Adams scored deep into stoppage time as the Super Eagles came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The Venezia striker, who came on as a substitute, levelled in the fourth minute of added time, according to Punch and other outlets.
How the match unfolded
Nigeria took an early lead when Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the 10th minute, according to Pulse Sports. Russia hit back, with Lechi Sadulaev equalising on the half-hour and Matvey Kislyak putting the hosts ahead before the break.
Miranchuk made it 3-1 early in the second half. The Guardian Nigeria reports that he profited from confusion in Nigeria’s defence.
Coach Eric Chelle made changes, and substitute Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute on his senior international debut, according to the Guardian. Adams then finished off a counter-attack in the 94th minute to complete the comeback.
Guardian Nigeria says Umar Abubakar replaced Iheanacho and Adams came on for Stephen Michael. Punch adds that Vince Osuji came on for Chibuzo Nwoko to strengthen midfield as Nigeria pushed for an equaliser.
Adams, who plays for Venezia, delivered the decisive moment with virtually the final attack of the match, PM News noted.
Background and context
It was a much-changed Nigerian side. Punch reports that captain Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel were among the absentees. Iheanacho, who was recalled after a strong start to the season with Bursaspor, was among the team’s brighter performers, Pulse Sports said.
The match followed criticism of the Super Eagles after a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing, a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Punch reports. Russia arrived on the back of a 6-0 win over Namibia at the weekend.
PM News reports that Russia had 63 per cent of possession and 17 shots to Nigeria’s 10. It also notes Nigeria has not lost to Russia in their two latest meetings, the other being a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
Goal timeline:
- 10th minute: Iheanacho puts Nigeria 1-0 ahead.
- 30th minute: Sadulaev levels, 1-1.
- First-half stoppage time: Kislyak makes it 2-1.
- Early second half: Miranchuk makes it 3-1.
- 78th minute: Edokpolor pulls one back, 3-2.
- 94th minute: Adams equalises, 3-3.
Reactions and the other side
Pulse Sports said Adams’ finish saved Chelle from embarrassment. Before kick-off, Adams disclosed that the coach had demanded a win despite the absentees, Punch reported.
Russia led 3-1 after the break but could not hold on. No post-match comments from Chelle, Adams or the Russian camp appeared in the reports reviewed.
Why it matters and what next
The draw gave Chelle a positive end to the international window after the Guinea-Bissau defeat, according to Punch. PM News also noted that Nigeria struggled to create chances for much of the match.
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