Chibuzo Nwoko, Wilfred George Igor and Stephen Michael celebrated their first senior appearances for Nigeria after the Super Eagles drew 3-3 with Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.
Quick facts
- Nigeria and Russia finished level at 3-3 in the friendly.
- Kelechi Iheanacho, Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams scored for the Super Eagles.
- Éric Chelle gave Nwoko, Igor and Michael starting berths.
- Michael was replaced at half-time, while Nwoko left the field after 83 minutes and Igor completed the match.
Head coach Éric Chelle selected an inexperienced, youthful line-up against Russia, known as “The Boys”, and handed all three newcomers places in the starting XI.
Nigeria moved ahead through Kelechi Iheanacho in the 10th minute. Russia responded by taking a 2-1 advantage into the interval and later increased its lead to 3-1, before Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute and Akor Adams levelled during stoppage time.
Fulham midfielder Nwoko described his international introduction as a memorable occasion. The 20-year-old played for 83 minutes before Vince Osuji took his place.
Born on December 5, 2005, Nwoko developed in Fulham’s academy and spent part of the 2025/26 campaign on loan with Forest Green Rovers. He has also appeared for Fulham’s development team this season and made a first-team outing in the EFL Cup.
Igor, 21, stayed on the pitch for the entire contest. The Kristiansund midfielder said experienced members of the squad helped the debutants feel comfortable and gave them the confidence to perform.
Born on February 20, 2005, Igor had made 20 Eliteserien appearances in 2026 before earning his first senior Nigeria call-up. He contributed one goal and one assist in those matches.
Vendsyssel midfielder Michael was withdrawn at the interval, when Chelle reshuffled his side with Nigeria 2-1 behind. The 19-year-old said the start offered him a valuable chance to demonstrate his ability and added that representing Nigeria filled him with pride.
Michael was born on December 14, 2006, and had recorded nine appearances in Denmark’s first division during the 2026/27 season before receiving his senior debut.
The friendly came after Nigeria’s first two fixtures in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. It also allowed Chelle to examine the depth of his squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation had included the three debutants among the midfielders selected for the match, alongside Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon.
