{
  "id": 12732273,
  "title": "Chelle explains secret to Eagles’ comeback vs Russia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/chelle-explains-secret-to-eagles-comeback-vs-russia",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T23:06:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/chelle-explains-secret-to-eagles-comeback-vs-russia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle credits a tactical shift involving his forwards for Nigeria's 3-3 draw against Russia in a recent friendly match. The team had trailed 3-1 before pulling one back in the 78th minute and then equalising in stoppage time. Chelle explained that changing something about their strikers' approach in the second half allowed them to create chances in transition. Nigeria took an early lead with a goal from Kelechi Iheanacho, but Russia equalised through Lechi Sadulaev and later increased their lead with goals from Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk. Chelle acknowledged that Russia dominated the first half, but said his team responded well to going down by two goals. The draw is a positive result following Nigeria's 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau, which left them second in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The match also meant Nigeria and Russia have drawn both meetings, including a 1-1 draw in Moscow in 2025.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has credited a tactical change involving his strikers for the team’s late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw with Russia. Read More: https://punchng.com/chelle-explains-secret-to-eagles-comeback-vs-russia/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}