Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez played a key role in Nigeria's dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia in their international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod.
Fernandez was named in Eric Chelle's starting line-up after Rangers allowed him to travel to Russia, despite several clubs refusing to release their Nigerian players for the fixture.
The Rangers defender's night initially took a difficult turn when Russia levelled after Nigeria had taken an early lead.
According to TheCable, Fernandez was dispossessed deep inside his own defence, allowing Russia to launch an attack which ended with Lechi Sadulaev finding the net.
Russia then turned the game around before half-time, with Matvey Kislyak putting the hosts 2-1 ahead.
Aleksey Miranchuk extended Russia's advantage shortly after the interval, leaving Nigeria facing a two-goal deficit.
Osayande Edokpolor then pulled one back to make it 3-2 before Nigeria struck in the fourth minute of added time.
Fernandez makes amends
Fernandez played a major role in the equaliser as the Gers defender started a brilliant counter-attack, with Umar Abdullahi then providing the assist for substitute Akor Adams to fire beyond the Russian goalkeeper.
Nigeria's official account described it as a “brilliant counter”, with Fernandez's involvement helping create the opportunity that secured the 3-3 draw.
It meant the Rangers defender was involved in two of the key moments of a frantic contest, responding to his earlier mistake by helping Nigeria find a late leveller.
The result also ensured Nigeria avoided a third consecutive defeat under Chelle, although the Super Eagles became the first side to concede three goals in consecutive matches during his reign.
Fernandez set to return to Ibrox
Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho had put Nigeria ahead in the 10th minute with a strike from the edge of the box before Russia took control of the contest.
The result came after Nigeria travelled to Russia with a heavily depleted squad due to several clubs refusing to release players for the fixture, while injuries also ruled out a number of established names.
Rangers, however, permitted Fernandez to make the journey, giving the defender another opportunity to gain international experience with the Super Eagles.
The match was also unusual given Russia's continued exclusion from competitive UEFA and FIFA football following the country's invasion of Ukraine.
With Russian teams still unable to participate in competitive international tournaments, friendlies such as this remain their principal opportunity to play international opposition.
Fernandez can now return to Rangers having played his part in an eventful night in Nizhny Novgorod, with the defender involved in the move that secured Nigeria a share of the spoils.
Add us as a preferred source on Google