Ikpeme Hails Resilient Eagles After Russia Comeback
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has hailed the Super Eagles for their fighting spirit after they came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod.
Ikpeme said the character shown by the team, especially with several young players making their international debuts, was more significant than the result itself.
‘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. Given that we had so many young players with many of them winning their first caps, the result is heartwarming,’ he said.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria a dream start after 10 minutes, firing a low effort past the Russian goalkeeper.
The hosts responded through Lechi Sadulaev in the 30th minute before Matvey Kislyak put Russia ahead in first-half stoppage time.
Aleksey Miranchuk then appeared to have sealed victory for Russia when he made it 3-1 nine minutes into the second half.
But the Eagles refused to surrender.
Debutant Peter Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the remarkable comeback with an equaliser four minutes into added time.
The result was Nigeria’s second successive draw against Russia after the teams played out a 1-1 stalemate in Moscow 16 months ago.
Ikpeme now wants the Eagles to take the same resilience into their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania next month.
Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on November 17.
The Russia comeback has provided a timely boost for Nigeria ahead of the decisive double-header as the Eagles continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
