Russia 3-3 Super Eagles: Player ratings – George & Umar shine, James struggles

Nigeria's Super Eagles produced a remarkable second-half comeback to rescue a 3-3 draw against Russia at the Sovcombank Arena on Tuesday.

Nigeria took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho but went into half-time 2-1 down after goals from Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak. Alexey Miranchuk then extended Russia's advantage early in the second half.

Eric Chelle's young side refused to collapse, however, with Peter Edokpolor pulling one back before Akor Adams struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.

With several established Super Eagles stars unavailable, the game offered Chelle an opportunity to assess unfamiliar options. Here is how the Nigerian players performed.

Samuel James – 5/10

It was a difficult senior debut for the goalkeeper.

James was beaten three times and, although Russia's finishing and movement made life difficult for him, he never looked completely convincing between the posts.

The Finnish-based goalkeeper was given a major opportunity after being preferred to Stanley Nwabali, but the occasion exposed the gap between making saves at club level and commanding an international defence.

Abdullahi Bewene – 6/10

Bewene had a busy evening against Russia's energetic attacking players.

He struggled at times when Russia moved the ball quickly down Nigeria's right side, but his defensive work improved as the match progressed.

The Banik Ostrava defender showed enough athleticism and composure to suggest that there is something for Chelle to work with.

Benjamin Fredrick – 6/10

Fredrick looked more comfortable as the game developed.

He had to deal with Russia's movement around the penalty area and was occasionally dragged away from his preferred defensive position.

Still, the Brentford youngster recovered well and contributed to Nigeria's improved defensive showing after the break.

Emmanuel Fernandez – 6/10

Fernandez endured a demanding first half as Russia repeatedly found spaces between Nigeria's midfield and defence.

His positioning was not always perfect, particularly when Russia increased the tempo, but he became more assured after the interval.

The Rangers defender's physical presence was useful against Russia's forwards.

Isaac James – 5/10

James struggled to make the impact Nigeria needed from the left side.

Russia found opportunities down his flank, while his contribution going forward was limited. He often appeared reluctant to advance aggressively, leaving Nigeria without enough width when trying to build attacks.

The Alverca defender has earned praise for his versatility at club level, but this was a reminder that translating that flexibility into international football will require more consistency.

Aderemi Adeoye – 6/10

Adeoye worked hard in a midfield that spent long periods without the ball.

Russia dominated possession, finishing with more than 60 per cent of the ball, and that meant Nigeria's midfielders had to defend large spaces.

Adeoye struggled to impose himself early but helped Nigeria become more competitive before being replaced by Edokpolor.

Stephen Michael – 6/10

Michael showed flashes of composure but found it difficult to influence the game consistently.

Russia's pressure meant Nigeria's midfield was often forced into defensive positions, limiting his ability to dictate play.

He was replaced at half-time as Chelle changed the attacking structure.

Wilfred George Igor – 8/10

The standout Nigerian midfielder.

George Igor showed exactly why Chelle wanted to examine him against stronger opposition.

The Kristiansund midfielder was composed in possession, worked aggressively without the ball and helped Nigeria connect midfield with the attack.

He did not simply survive his first senior appearance; he looked comfortable in it.

His ability to combine physical work with sensible distribution was particularly encouraging, especially against a Russian midfield that controlled possession for large periods.

For Chelle, this was arguably the most encouraging individual performance of the night.

Chibuzo Nwoko – 6/10

Nwoko had an uneven debut.

The Fulham midfielder worked hard defensively and showed willingness to challenge Russia's midfielders, but he struggled to maintain influence when Nigeria were forced deep.

His yellow card also reflected the difficulty of the assignment.

He was replaced late in the second half by Vince Osuji.

Moses Simon – 6/10

Simon provided valuable experience to an otherwise inexperienced Nigeria side.

He was one of the few players in the starting XI with substantial international experience and occasionally gave Russia problems with his movement.

However, he was unable to consistently impose himself before being replaced by Umar Abubakar in the 70th minute.

Kelechi Iheanacho – 7/10

Iheanacho gave Nigeria the perfect start with a composed finish in the 10th minute.

His goal demonstrated the quality that remains available to Nigeria when he receives opportunities around the box.

He offered a useful focal point during the first half but was withdrawn at the interval as Chelle introduced Akor Adams and Abdullahi Umar.

Abdullahi Umar – 8/10

A hugely encouraging debut.

Umar immediately gave Nigeria more movement in attack after coming on at half-time.

The young Hradec Králové striker repeatedly looked for space behind Russia's defence and gave the hosts a different problem to solve.

He did not score, but his energy and willingness to run beyond the defence helped Nigeria become more dangerous.

For a player making his senior debut, Umar looked remarkably comfortable on the international stage.

His performance should strengthen the argument that he deserves another opportunity with the Super Eagles.

Akor Adams – 7/10

Adams made the decisive contribution when Nigeria needed it most.

Introduced at half-time, the Venezia striker remained a threat as the game opened up and eventually found the equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

After his disappointing performance against Guinea-Bissau, the goal was an important response.

It does not erase his recent struggles, but it gives Adams a much-needed confidence boost.

Peter Edokpolor – 7/10

Edokpolor changed the game.

The Benfica forward came on in the 70th minute and scored just eight minutes later to give Nigeria genuine hope of completing the comeback.

His movement immediately stretched Russia's defence, while his finishing showed impressive composure.

For a player making his senior debut, scoring against Russia and helping transform a 3-1 deficit into a 3-3 draw was an excellent introduction to international football.

Umar Abubakar – 6/10

Abubakar came on for Moses Simon and brought fresh energy to the attack.

He did not have enough time to make a decisive contribution but helped Nigeria maintain pressure during the closing stages.

Vince Osuji – 6/10

Osuji was introduced for Nwoko with seven minutes remaining.

He helped Nigeria retain their defensive structure as the team pushed for an equaliser and completed the comeback without making any major error.

Overall verdict

Nigeria's biggest winners were George Igor, Abdullahi Umar and Peter Edokpolor.

The trio gave Chelle something important from a match that was designed largely as an audition for fringe players.

George looked ready for a bigger role in midfield, Umar provided an exciting attacking option and Edokpolor showed that he can make an immediate impact from the bench.

James, meanwhile, had a more difficult evening and will need to improve defensively if he is to turn his versatility into a genuine Super Eagles opportunity.

The 3-3 draw ultimately mattered less than the information Chelle gained from the experiment. After the humiliation against Guinea-Bissau, the response from Nigeria's young players was arguably the most encouraging part of the night.