Fulham youngster Chibuzo Nwoko has described making his Super Eagles debut as an “amazing experience” after helping Nigeria battle to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Russia on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old was handed a place in Eric Chelle’s starting XI at the Luzhniki Stadium, marking a major milestone for the midfielder who has progressed through Fulham’s academy and previously represented England at youth level.

“It was an amazing experience,” Nwoko said after the game. “It was a proud moment for me and my family. Playing for the Super Eagles is a pleasure for me.”

Nwoko started in midfield as part of a youthful Nigerian side given an opportunity by Chelle following the unavailability of several established internationals.

Nigeria made the perfect start through Kelechi Iheanacho in the 10th minute, but Russia responded through Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak to lead 2-1 at half-time. Aleksey Miranchuk then extended the hosts’ advantage after the restart, leaving the Super Eagles staring at defeat.

Chelle’s side refused to surrender.

Substitute Peter Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute before Akor Adams struck dramatically in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete Nigeria’s comeback from 3-1 down.

Nwoko played 84 minutes before making way for Vince Osuji, gaining valuable senior international experience in a match that tested the character of Chelle’s new-look side.

The midfielder’s journey makes the occasion particularly significant. Born in England, Nwoko spent part of his youth development at Chelsea before joining Fulham’s system. He represented England at U18 level and spent the second half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers, making 19 league appearances and gaining regular senior football.

He has since returned to Fulham and made his first-team competitive debut as a substitute in the League Cup this season.

Now, another important first has arrived in Nigerian colours.

For Nwoko, Moscow was more than a friendly appearance. It was the night a player developed in English football officially began his senior international journey with Nigeria.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it will publish the final list of candidates contesting the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the commission said its chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the revelation during a world press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

It said the publication would mark an important stage in its preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties expected to have their candidates formally confirmed for the state-level contests.

The electoral body also provided updates on the number of political parties that had submitted candidates, the voter register, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), election technology and funding.

According to INEC, 21 of the 22 registered political parties nominated candidates for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

The parties submitted 936 governorship and deputy governorship candidates and 9,692 candidates for various State House of Assembly seats.

The commission had earlier published the personal particulars of the nominated candidates as required under the electoral timetable.

The final list is expected to reflect subsequent withdrawals, substitutions and other changes that occurred during the nomination process.

“18 of the 22 registered political parties submitted 36 presidential and vice-presidential candidates, while the Final List of Candidates for the National Assembly was published on 12th September 2026.

“The final list for governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates will be published on 10th October 2026,” INEC said.