Ikpeme praises ‘resilient’ Super Eagles after comeback against Russia

The Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Super Eagles following their remarkable comeback to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly match held in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Ikpeme expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “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.”

He noted that many young players earned their first caps during this match, which added to the significance of the result.

Ikpeme, present in Nizhny Novgorod with the team, emphasized the need to carry their spirit of resilience into the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. Nigeria is scheduled to host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before traveling to Dar es Salaam for the second match on Tuesday, November 17.

The Super Eagles took the lead against Russia when Kelechi Iheanacho, returning from a spell out of the squad, scored a well-placed shot only 10 minutes into the match. However, Russia equalized in the 30th minute through Lechi Sadulaev, and then went ahead just before halftime with a goal from Matvey Kislyak.

The home side extended their lead in the second half, with Aleksey Miranchuk scoring nine minutes after the break. But debutant Peter Edokpolor showcased his strength by cutting through the Russian defense to reduce the deficit in the 78th minute. Akor Adams then equalized for Nigeria with a goal four minutes into stoppage time, sealing an encouraging outcome for the Super Eagles.

This draw has helped to renew hopes for the Super Eagles as they aim to secure a double victory over Tanzania in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, while the U23 team also prepares for their matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the lead-up to next year’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations.