Nigeria took an early lead through Kelechi Iheanacho, but Russia turned the match around before extending their advantage early in the second half.
Eric Chelle's side, however, refused to surrender, with Peter Edokpolor scoring on his international debut before Akor Adams struck in stoppage time to rescue a draw.
Iheanacho gives Nigeria early lead
Nigeria made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute.
Returning Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho received the ball from Abdullahi Bewene before producing an excellent finish from outside the box to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead.
The goal marked an impressive return to the national team for Iheanacho, who had not featured for Nigeria since the 2025 Unity Cup.
Russia complete first-half comeback
Russia responded strongly after falling behind.
Lechi Sadulaev restored parity in the 30th minute, beating Nigeria's debutant goalkeeper James Samuel to make it 1-1.
The hosts then completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Matvey Kislyak finished a well-worked move to give Russia a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Miranchuk makes it 3-1
Russia extended their lead nine minutes into the second half.
Aleksey Miranchuk capitalised on uncertainty in the Nigerian defence to score Russia's third goal and put the hosts firmly in control at 3-1.
With Nigeria facing the prospect of another defeat following their recent 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Chelle's men needed a strong response.
Edokpolor sparks Super Eagles comeback
Nigeria's fightback began in the 78th minute.
Substitute Peter Edokpolor, making his Super Eagles debut, won possession in midfield before driving forward and seeing his effort take a deflection on its way into the net.
The goal reduced Russia's advantage to 3-2 and gave Nigeria renewed belief heading into the closing stages.
Akor Adams rescues Nigeria in stoppage time
Nigeria continued pushing for an equaliser and were rewarded in dramatic fashion.
Akor Adams found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, completing the Super Eagles' remarkable comeback and securing a 3-3 draw.
The result denied Russia victory after they had established a two-goal advantage in the second half.
Six goals and another draw between the nations
The result means Russia and Nigeria have now drawn both of their meetings.
Their previous encounter in June 2025 ended 1-1 in Moscow, with Nigeria's Tolu Arokodare cancelling out an own goal by Semi Ajayi.
This time, however, the Super Eagles produced a much more dramatic comeback, recovering from 3-1 down to leave Nizhny Novgorod with a share of the spoils.
Russia 3-3 Nigeria
• Nigeria: Kelechi Iheanacho 10', Peter Edokpolor 78', Akor Adams 90+4'
• Russia: Lechi Sadulaev 30', Matvey Kislyak 45+2', Aleksey Miranchuk 54'
Super Eagles show character
For Chelle, the draw provides a measure of encouragement after Nigeria's disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their latest AFCON 2027 qualifier.
Despite missing several established players because of injuries and club-related release issues, Nigeria showed considerable resilience to recover from two goals down against a Russian side that had entered the friendly in strong form.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their next competitive assignments as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.