Ikpeme Salutes Super Eagles’ Fighting Spirit After Russia Comeback

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has praised the Super Eagles for showing remarkable character and resilience in their 3-3 comeback draw against Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod.

Ikpeme, who was with the three-time African champions in Russia, said the team’s fighting spirit, particularly after falling two goals behind, 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,” Ikpeme said.

Nigeria appeared destined for defeat after Russia overturned Kelechi Iheanacho’s early opener and established a 3-1 lead, but the Super Eagles produced a spirited late fightback to secure a share of the spoils.

Iheanacho, returning to the national team after a prolonged absence, fired Nigeria in front after just 10 minutes with a well-struck ground effort that caught the Russian goalkeeper by surprise.

Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev on the half-hour mark before Matvey Kislyak put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time.

Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia’s advantage nine minutes after the restart, leaving the home side seemingly on course for victory.

However, debutant Peter Edokpolor sparked Nigeria’s revival in the 78th minute when he powered his way through the Russian defence to reduce the deficit.

Akor Adams then completed the comeback four minutes into second-half stoppage time, converting to earn Nigeria a 3-3 draw and deny Russia victory.

The result was Nigeria’s second consecutive draw against Russia, following their 1-1 stalemate in Moscow 16 months ago.

Ikpeme said the determination displayed in Nizhny Novgorod must now be carried into Nigeria’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania next month.

The Super Eagles will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

The NFF official believes the performance against Russia provides encouragement ahead of the two-legged contest, particularly as Nigeria seek to build momentum in their qualification campaign.

The international window will also see Nigeria’s U23 side face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a home-and-away battle for a place at next year’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikpeme said the resilience shown by the senior national team should serve as inspiration across the national team set-up as Nigeria prepares for the decisive November fixtures.

The Super Eagles’ comeback against Russia, he added, demonstrated the importance of maintaining belief and fighting until the final whistle, regardless of the scoreline.