The Super Eagles of Nigeria staged a dramatic late comeback to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday.

Nigeria, affected by the withdrawal of several players, fell two goals behind after taking an early lead but fought back in the closing stages to avoid another defeat following last week’s loss to Guinea-Bissau.

Veterans Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho led Nigeria’s attack, with Iheanacho opening the scoring after 10 minutes with a precise low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Russia responded in the 30th minute after capitalising on a defensive error by Emmanuel Fernandez, with Lechi Sadulaev firing a side-footed effort past the Nigerian defence to restore parity.

The hosts then completed the turnaround shortly before half-time when Matvey Kislyak arrived in the box to slot home from a deflected cross, giving Russia a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Russia extended their lead nine minutes into the second half through Aleksey Miranchuk, whose tame effort went through the body of debutant goalkeeper Samuel James to make it 3-1.

Nigeria intensified its efforts after a series of substitutions and eventually reduced the deficit in the 78th minute when substitute Osayande Peter Edokpolor’s deflected curling effort found the back of the net.

The Super Eagles continued pushing for an equaliser and were rewarded in added time when Adams produced a precise finish to complete the comeback and secure a 3-3 draw.

The result means Nigeria conceded three goals in consecutive matches for the first time under coach Eric Chelle, who recorded his sixth draw in his 31st match in charge of the Super Eagles.