Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has praised Nigeria’s young players for their character after the team fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday. The much-changed Nigerian side, featuring nine players making their international debuts, twice……
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has praised Nigeria’s young players for their character after the team fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.
The much-changed Nigerian side, featuring nine players making their international debuts, twice came from behind against the hosts after Kelechi Iheanacho had given the Super Eagles an early lead.
Simon, one of the few experienced players in the starting line-up, took to X after the encounter to commend the young players for their performance in what was a demanding test against Russia.
“A tough atmosphere, a demanding test, but these young players stood tall and showed real character to earn a commendable draw,” Simon wrote.
The Paris FC forward, who was included in a heavily rotated squad, said the performance offered encouragement about the future of the national team.
“The talent, courage and composure on display offer plenty of reasons to believe in a brighter and greater future for this team,” he added.
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The Super Eagles took the lead through Iheanacho before Russia responded with three goals to establish a 3-1 advantage. Nigeria, however, produced a late fightback, with 19-year-old Peter Edokpolor reducing the deficit in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the comeback with a 94th-minute equaliser.
The result came with Nigeria missing several established regulars, giving head coach Éric Chelle an opportunity to assess younger and less experienced players. Nine players made their Super Eagles debuts during the encounter.
Among the debutants were goalkeeper Samuel James, defenders Isaac James and Vince Osuji, midfielders Stephen Michael, Wilfred Igor and Chibuzo Nwoko, as well as forwards Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Umar Abubakar.
Simon, who was substituted in the 70th minute, was one of the senior figures in the side alongside Iheanacho. His experience provided a link between the established internationals and a group of players making their first appearances for the senior national team.
The comeback also drew praise from Russia, with veteran Russian coach Sergei Tashuyev saying the young Nigerian players were determined to prove themselves.
“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. They are not often called up to the Nigerian national team, so they had something to prove,” Tashuyev said.
For Nigeria, the draw provided a positive response after the Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.
Simon concluded his message by expressing optimism about the national team, writing: “The future is looking good for our country @ng_supereagles 🇳🇬🦅”
