Éric Chelle praised the resilience of his experimental Super Eagles team after Nigeria recovered from a 3-1 deficit to draw 3-3 with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Wednesday.
“The young players were eager to demonstrate their ability, and they showed a level of aggression that is sometimes absent in qualifying matches,” Chelle told reporters after the game. “Although it ended level, it was a valuable contest for both sides.”
The Nigeria coach described Russia as “a very good team” and acknowledged that the hosts created serious problems for his side, particularly before the interval.
“We made a positive start, but they scored twice before halftime. We were able to find an answer after the break. We adjusted our tactics and scored twice late on through transitions,” he said.
Chelle also viewed the fixture as part of his preparations for future assignments. “We are working towards two targets: AFCON 2025 and the Olympic Games,” he explained. With several clubs declining to release players, he was compelled to call up a large contingent from the Under-20 and Under-23 teams. “A number of them will remain involved. Based on what they showed after this match, some could be included in the senior squad during the next FIFA window.”
He has 10 days to prepare a preliminary squad list for November.
“Football itself was the real winner,” Chelle added.
The coach made extensive changes for the match, naming five debutants in his starting line-up, while nine players in total made their first appearances for the Super Eagles. Just six starters had previously represented the three-time African champions: Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene and Aderemi Adeoye.
Nigeria moved ahead in the 11th minute when Kelechi Iheanacho registered his 15th international goal. After receiving a pass from Bewene near the edge of the penalty area, he cut the ball into the top corner with his left foot.
Russia responded by slicing through the Nigerian defence and beating debutant goalkeeper Samuel James. A mistake at the back just before the interval put Nigeria 2-1 behind at halftime, before the hosts extended their advantage nine minutes into the second period.
Chelle’s changes from the bench helped turn the contest around. Umar Abdullahi came close to reducing the deficit in the 73rd minute after winning possession high up the field, following Isaac James’ contribution. Five minutes later, 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor surged beyond the Russian defence after entering as a substitute and finished past the goalkeeper to make it 3-2.
Chibuzo Nwoko made way for Vince Osuji in the 83rd minute. Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Fernandez launched a counter with a header from deep. Abdullahi collected the ball and delivered it across goal, allowing substitute Akor Adams to complete the comeback and level the score.
Nigeria’s full delegation travelled from Nizhny Novgorod to Moscow immediately after the final whistle. From the capital, the players and officials were scheduled to continue to their respective bases.
