Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has assured Nigerians that the team will deliver a stronger performance against Portugal in their upcoming international friendly, following a 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday.
Ndidi Blames Draw on Late Player Arrival
Ndidi attributed the draw to the late arrival of players for the match, noting that Nigeria dominated the first half but became more cautious after the break. He was the only player in the starting lineup who also featured in the Super Eagles' 1-0 victory over Poland in Wroclaw ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
“We dominated the game. The first half was amazing, and the second half we tried to sit back a bit, defend, and then press. Entirely, it was a good game,” Ndidi said. “We always try to get a win in every game, with our philosophy and vision, and to give a good performance.”
Nigeria took the lead twice, but Poland equalized on both occasions. Terem Moffi opened the scoring in the first half, but Kacper Potulski restored parity. Paul Onuachu converted a 77th-minute penalty, only for Przemysław Wiśniewski to level with a stunning stoppage-time strike.
Coach Chelle Explains Substitutions
Coach Eric Chelle made seven changes at halftime, bringing in Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Philip Otele for Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Akor Adams. Chelle explained that many players were off form after the season ended.
“They were already on vacation. That’s why I made seven changes at halftime. Our captain usually does a lot more on the pitch, but after 60 minutes, he was practically gone,” Chelle said.
Nigeria will face Portugal on June 10 before the players go on holiday.
Poland Coach Praises Nigeria
Poland coach Jan Urban praised Nigeria for giving his side a tough match, saying the Super Eagles proved their quality. He blamed his team’s mistakes for the draw, which came after a 2-0 loss to Ukraine.
“The scenario from previous matches repeated itself – we played, the opponent scored. But I wasn’t concerned because we played well. It was a good match against a good team,” Urban said. “The worst thing is that the opponent doesn’t create countless chances and takes only two or three. They’re very cruel to us. But these are friendly matches; they won’t judge us for them.”
