Nigeria's senior men's national team head coach Eric Chelle has explained how Nigeria fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Russia in Tuesday evening’s international friendly.

Nigeria made a bright start and took an early lead, but struggled to contain the Russian side as the hosts turned the game around and established a 3-1 advantage shortly after the restart.

The Super Eagles, however, produced a spirited late comeback, scoring twice in the closing stages to rescue a draw.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle admitted that Russia enjoyed the better moments towards the end of the first half and early in the second period.

“This is a draw. We have a moment at the beginning of the first half. They had big moments at the end of the first half,” Chelle said.

“This is why they scored two goals. In the beginning of the second half it was the same.”

The Malian tactician revealed that tactical adjustments, particularly involving Nigeria’s forwards, helped the Super Eagles turn the game around.

“We found a solution because tactically we changed something about our strikers. At the end of the second half, they didn’t find a solution and that’s why we scored two goals in transition,” he explained.

Chelle also praised his players for their impressive second-half display and determination to fight back after falling two goals behind.

“The second half of my team was very good. I applauded my players. And like I said to my guy on my left side, the hero of the game is the football,” he concluded.

The result will provide some relief for Chelle and his squad after Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing.

The Super Eagles will now look to build on the positive aspects of their performance against Russia as they continue preparations for their upcoming fixtures.