Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Joseph Olusola Iji, has backed the idea of the Super Eagles hosting Russia in a return friendly following Tuesday’s thrilling 3-3 draw in Nizhny Novgorod.

The six-goal encounter saw Russia surrender a two-goal advantage after taking control of the game, with Nigeria mounting a late comeback to secure a share of the spoils.

The Super Eagles took the lead through Kelechi Iheanacho in the 10th minute before Lechi Sadulaev, Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk turned the game around for the hosts.

Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed Nigeria’s comeback with a stoppage-time equaliser in the fourth minute of added time.

Speaking after the match, Iji praised both teams and expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of a return fixture being staged in Nigeria.

“A great game on both sides. Holding the return match in Nigeria? That would be fantastic,” Iji told RB Sport, via Euro Football.

“Are you willing to sponsor this game? Of course! Why not? Nigeria is a giant of the African continent.”

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle also used the friendly as an opportunity to assess new players, handing senior international debuts to nine players.

Samuel James, Isaac James, Stephen Michael, Wilfred Igor, Chibuzo Nwoko, Vince Osuji, Peter Edokpolor, Abdullahi Umar and Umar Abubakar all made their first appearances for the senior national team in the entertaining draw.

The result provided Nigeria with a positive outing against Russia, while the proposed return fixture could offer both sides another opportunity to test themselves against each other.