Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, led 17 players into camp as Nigeria began preparations in Warsaw on Monday evening ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly against Poland.
The three-time African champions trained for the first time in the Polish capital, with the squad gathering at their Presidential Hotel base before heading out for an 80-minute session under light rain at Stadion Polinii Warsawa.
Wednesday’s encounter at the 58,000-capacity Stadion PGE Narodowy will be only the second senior meeting between both nations.
Their first clash came on 23 March 2018 in Wroclaw, where Nigeria edged Poland 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly, with Victor Moses scoring the decisive goal.
Both teams also head into the fixture after falling short in their respective bids to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Poland defeated Albania in the playoff phase but later lost 3-2 to Sweden in the Euro playoff final, while Nigeria overcame Gabon before suffering a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoff final.
The Super Eagles’ camp currently houses 18 players, including Ndidi, goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo; defenders Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Emmanuel Fernandez and Igoh Ogbu; midfielders Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi; and forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Jerome Akor Adams, Terem Moffi and Rafiu Durosinmi.
Defender Semi Ajayi, fresh off Hull City’s promotion back to the English Premier League, arrived after lunch to warm receptions from teammates, alongside new invitee Abdullahi Bewene. Both players did not take part in Monday’s training session.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who recently guided the team to retain the Unity Cup in London, expressed optimism ahead of the match, stressing the need to maintain a winning mentality despite limited preparation time.
“There is a culture of winning that we are trying to build in this team,” Chelle said. “It is not easy with players just coming out of holiday mode, but we must get the job done. We have 18 players in camp now and everyone must work hard.”
The Franco-Malian tactician put his squad through an 80-minute workout, while Tuesday’s official pre-match training is scheduled to take place at the match venue, Stadion PGE Narodowy.
