Veteran Russian coach Sergei Tashuyev has attributed Russia’s late collapse against Nigeria to a lack of concentration, saying the Super Eagles’ young players were determined to prove themselves.
Nigeria fought back from 3-1 down to secure a 3-3 draw in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod, with two teenagers involved in the late equaliser.
Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute after coming off the bench, before Abdullahi Umar provided a stoppage-time assist for Akor Adams to complete the comeback.
Kelechi Iheanacho had put Nigeria ahead after 10 minutes, but Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev, Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk to establish a two-goal advantage.
Tashuyev, a former Krasnodar and Akhmat Grozny coach, praised Russia’s overall performance but admitted his side failed to cope with Nigeria’s late pressure.
“We lacked concentration at the end. We seemed to be leading by two goals, but we could not contain the onslaught of the young Nigerians,” he said.
According to Tashuyev, the inexperienced Nigerian players had extra motivation because they were eager to establish themselves in the national team.
Éric Chelle handed nine players their international debuts, while Nigeria were also missing several invited players due to injuries, club restrictions and a residence permit issue.
The draw provided a positive response for Nigeria following their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, while Russia entered the match after a 6-0 victory over Namibia.
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