The Benfica forward came off the bench, scored within eight minutes and joined a long list of Nigerian debut scorers.
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A debut to remember
Peter Edokpolor says he is relishing the stunning goal that brought Nigeria back into Tuesday’s friendly against Russia. The Benfica forward scored eight minutes after replacing Moses Simon, making it 3-2 in the 78th minute. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that the goal sparked a comeback from 3-1 down.
The Super Eagles had looked set for another heavy defeat, exactly a week after losing 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 AFCON qualifier. Edokpolor drove aggressively through the Russian defence and fired an unstoppable shot past the goalkeeper, the NFF said.
Akor Adams then equalised in stoppage time and took the captain’s armband from Simon, who left the field with a head injury. Adams had also scored on his own senior debut.
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Joining the debut-goal list
Edokpolor is the latest player to score on his Super Eagles debut. George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor did the same a little over a week earlier in a 2-1 win over Madagascar.
Finidi George, Kenneth Zeigbo, Julius Aghahowa, Femi Opabunmi, Obafemi Martins and Stephen Makinwa are among the others on the list. Ekhigo Ehiosun, Brian Idowu and Femi Azeez also scored on their debuts.
A young side under pressure
Nine players made their Super Eagles debuts in Nizhny Novgorod. Only six starters had been capped before: Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene and Aderemi Adeoye, the NFF said.
The NFF described it as a credible showing from a depleted side. Readers wanting to understand the offers before the next game can read what the Bet9ja promotion code means.
The draw improved on the 1-1 result between the sides in Moscow on June 6, 2025. It was also a six-goal thriller that gave Chelle plenty to think about.
The Benfica story
Edokpolor is 19 and a product of the Galadima Football Academy in Abuja. He joined Benfica in February 2025 and renewed his contract in June 2026.
In 2025/26 he made 35 appearances and scored six goals across Benfica’s B team, the under-23s and the Premier League International Cup. Now he has a Nigeria goal as well.
Can he keep his place when the qualifiers resume in November? Super Eagles fans keen on staking can see the Bet9ja promotion code details before kick-off.
📌 Did You Know?
- His full name is Peter Osayande Edokpolor.
- He turns 20 on December 24, 2026.
- Benfica’s first team coach Marco Silva was due to watch him in pre-season after his contract renewal.
- He scored three Liga Portugal 2 goals for Benfica B in 2025/26.
- The NFF describes Nigeria as three-time African champions.
