The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be aiming for victory when they face Poland’s White-Reds in an international friendly match on Wednesday, according to Head Coach Eric Chelle.
Speaking after welcoming defender Calvin Bassey to the team’s camp at the Warsaw Presidential Hotel on Tuesday, Chelle expressed confidence in his squad and emphasized his determination to instill a winning mentality in the national team.
“Now, we have a team and we are preparing to go out there and win. Winning is the mentality that we are trying to create in the team and in the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday,” Chelle stated.
Bassey’s arrival increased the number of players in camp to 20, providing the coach with greater options in defence. The Fulham centre-back is expected to strengthen the backline alongside Semi Ajayi, while Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez are also available for selection.
Germany-based forward Philip Otele, who impressed during Nigeria’s successful Unity Cup campaign in London, was expected to arrive in camp later on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department boasts strong competition, with Maduka Okoye, who arrived in Warsaw on Monday and immediately joined training, showing impressive form. Arthur Okonkwo, who kept clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup triumph, and experienced goalkeeper Francis Uzoho are also available.
In defence, Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi are expected to compete for the left-back position, while the midfield options include captain Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and promising youngster Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene.
Nigeria’s attack features a blend of experience and firepower with Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, Terem Moffi and Philip Otele all available for selection.
Onuachu arrived in Warsaw in high spirits after learning that his spectacular strike for Trabzonspor had been voted the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season. The towering striker also impressed during Monday’s training session.
Like Nigeria, Poland is expected to field several emerging talents following their recent match against Ukraine. Polish coach Jan Urban may look to in-form winger Jakub Kamiński to provide attacking inspiration, alongside young prospects such as Oskar Pietuszewski, Mateusz Żukowski, Norbert Wojtuszek, Kacper Potulski and Oskar Wójcik.
The friendly encounter will take place at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time (7:45 p.m. Nigerian time).
The match offers another opportunity for Chelle to assess his squad as Nigeria continues preparations for future competitive engagements while building on the momentum generated by their recent Unity Cup success.