5 Previous Fightbacks Staged By Super Eagles From Two-Goal Deficit

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, made up largely of new players, staged a remarkable fightback to hold Russia to a 3-3 draw in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

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Kelechi Iheanacho had given the Super Eagles the lead after 10 minutes, but goals from Lechi Sadulaev (30th minute), Matvey Kislyak (45+2nd minute) and Aleksey Miranchuk (54th minute) put Russia 3-1 up and on the verge of a first-ever win over Nigeria.

But the Super Eagles rallied to force Russia to a draw, thanks to goals from 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams in the 78th and 94th minutes respectively.

As Nigerians continue to bask in the euphoria of this remarkable feat against Russia, Completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI highlights five previous fightbacks staged by the Super Eagles from a two-goal deficit.

Nigeria vs Malawi (1984 AFCON – Group Stage)

After opening their campaign at the 1984 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire with a 2-1 win over Ghana, the Super Eagles faced minnows Malawi in their second Group B fixture.

But, to everyone’s surprise, Malawi, who had been hammered 3-0 by Algeria in their first group game, raced into a 2-0 lead, scoring in the seventh and 35th minutes.

However, the Super Eagles fought back to draw level, thanks to a brace from Clement Temile in the 39th and 41st minutes, as both teams settled for a 2-2 draw.

The Super Eagles finished second and progressed to the semi-finals alongside group winners Algeria.

Nigeria vs Egypt (1984 AFCON – Semi-final)

The Super Eagles’ qualification for the semi-finals of the 1984 AFCON saw them face the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The Egyptians broke the deadlock in the 25th minute before adding a second goal in the 38th minute.

But with two minutes left in the first half, the Super Eagles made it 2-1, thanks to Stephen Keshi, who scored from the penalty spot.

In the 75th minute, Bala Ali scored to make it 2-2, as the Super Eagles went on to win 8-7 on penalties.

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles lost 3-1 to Cameroon in the final, as the Indomitable Lions clinched their first-ever AFCON title.

Nigeria vs Cameroon (2000 AFCON – Final)

The Super Eagles faced old foes Cameroon in the final of the 2000 AFCON, co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria.

It was the third time the Super Eagles and Cameroon had crossed paths in an AFCON final, following the 1984 and 1988 editions, in which the Indomitable Lions came out on top.

After a tight opening contest, Samuel Eto’o gave Cameroon the lead in the 26th minute, while Patrick Mboma doubled the lead in the 31st minute.

But in the 45th minute, Raphael Chukwu reduced the deficit before Austin Okocha made it 2-2 in the 47th minute with a thunderous left-foot strike.

Unfortunately, just like in 1984 and 1988, Cameroon once again triumphed over the Super Eagles, winning 4-3 on penalties.

Also Read: Super Eagles Drop Four Spots in Latest FIFA Rankings

Nigeria vs South Africa (2015 AFCON Qualifier)

The Super Eagles faced South Africa in their final group game of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers in Uyo.

All the Super Eagles needed to secure qualification was a win against South Africa, who had already booked their ticket for the tournament.

But it was South Africa who took a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Tokelo Rantie, who struck in the 42nd and 48th minutes.

The Super Eagles pulled a goal back through Sone Aluko in the 68th minute. Then, in the 94th minute, Aluko grabbed his second goal to level the score.

Unfortunately, the comeback was not enough, as the Super Eagles missed out on qualification for the 2015 AFCON following Congo Brazzaville’s 1-0 win away to Sudan on the final day of the qualifiers.

Nigeria vs Argentina (2017 – Friendly)

The Super Eagles and Argentina clashed in an international friendly in Krasnodar, Russia, in 2017.

Argentina, without legendary captain Lionel Messi, paraded stars such as Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso.

After dominating the early stages of the contest, Argentina deservedly took the lead in the 27th minute through Ever Banega before Aguero made it 2-0 in the 36th minute.

The Super Eagles made it 2-1 in the 44th minute, thanks to a well-taken free-kick by Kelechi Iheanacho.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Alex Iwobi scored to make it 2-2, while debutant Brian Idowu got on the scoresheet to put the Super Eagles 3-2 ahead.

Then, in the 73rd minute, Iwobi scored his second of the match and the Super Eagles’ fourth goal, as the three-time African champions recorded a remarkable 4-2 comeback win.