A stoppage-time volley from Poland defender Przemyslaw Wisniewski denied the Nigeria Super Eagles, coached by Eric Chelle, as both sides settled for a dramatic 2-2 draw in Wednesday’s international friendly at the Stadion in Warsaw.
Nigeria looked set to secure back-to-back victories over Poland after goals from Terem Moffi and substitute Paul Onuachu, but Wisniewski struck deep into added time with a powerful long-range effort that flew beyond Maduka Okoye to rescue a late draw for the hosts.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to another high-profile friendly against 2026 World Cup-bound Portugal on Wednesday, June 10, as part of their preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
First-half action
Chelle named a starting XI that featured Maduka Okoye in goal, debutant Abdullahi Bewene alongside Igoh, Emmanuel Fernandez and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence.
The midfield trio consisted of Wilfred Ndidi, Tochukwu Nnadi and Frank Onyeka, while Akor Adams, Moffi and Moses Simon led the attack.
Poland started brightly and nearly went ahead inside four minutes when Jakub Kamiński met a cross with a free header, but failed to keep it on target.
Nigeria responded with a slice of fortune in the seventh minute as Akor Adams almost diverted a corner into his own net, only for the ball to drift narrowly wide.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski then tested Okoye from a set piece in the 14th minute, but the goalkeeper gathered comfortably.
Against the run of play, Nigeria took the lead in the 23rd minute. Moses Simon burst down the flank and delivered a low cross that Terem Moffi finished clinically from close range.
The goal initially went under VAR review but was eventually confirmed.
Poland pushed for an equaliser and came close in the 28th minute, but Okoye produced a calm stop to deny a goal-bound effort. Just before the break, Tochukwu Nnadi came inches away from doubling Nigeria’s lead, his curling attempt palmed away for a corner.
Second-half turnaround
Poland drew level shortly after the restart when Kaylee Potulski capitalised on defensive hesitation following a corner, finishing from close range to make it 1-1.
Before the hour mark, Chelle made seven changes to freshen his side, introducing Calvin Bassey, Philip Otele, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi and Paul Onuachu.
The substitutions immediately added energy to Nigeria’s play. Otele delivered a dangerous cross soon after coming on, while Sanusi tested the goalkeeper with a powerful left-footed strike that was pushed away for a corner.
Poland continued to threaten, and Lewandowski missed a golden opportunity in the 71st minute after pouncing on a loose back pass from Sanusi, only to be denied by Okoye’s quick reaction.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was again alert moments later, producing another sharp save from a set-piece situation.
Late drama in Warsaw
Nigeria regained the lead in the 77th minute when Paul Onuachu calmly converted from the penalty spot after a Polish defender handled the ball inside the box.
The Super Eagles looked set to see out the win, with Okoye making another fine stop in the 82nd minute to deny Lewandowski from close range.
However, deep into stoppage time, Poland threw everything forward and were rewarded in the 95th minute when Wisniewski unleashed a stunning long-range volley that flew into the net, leaving Nigeria heartbroken at the final whistle.
Despite the late setback, the Super Eagles showed encouraging signs ahead of their upcoming clash with Portugal, though defensive concentration in closing stages will be a clear area for improvement.
