Nigeria’s Super Eagles were denied victory in dramatic fashion as Poland scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw in an international friendly played at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday.
The encounter appeared headed for a Nigerian victory after Eric Chelle’s men produced a spirited performance and held a narrow lead for much of the second half.
However, a late strike from Przemysław Wiśniewski rescued a draw for the hosts and ensured both teams shared the spoils.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 23rd minute following a well-worked attacking move. Terem Moffi provided a precise assist that allowed a teammate to finish confidently and put the Super Eagles ahead.
The visitors looked comfortable for long periods after taking the lead, but Poland responded strongly as the first half drew to a close.
Their persistence paid off moments before the break when Kacper Potulski found the back of the net to restore parity.
With the score locked at 1-1, both sides headed into halftime on level terms after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
At the beginning of the second half, Nigeria’s coaching crew made several tactical changes in a bid to inject fresh energy into the team.
Philip Otele was introduced in place of Akor Adams, while Semi Ajayi replaced Emmanuel Fernandez.
Additional substitutions followed as Bruno Onyemaechi came on for Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu replaced Terem Moffi, and Calvin Bassey was brought into the defence in place of Igoh Ogbu.
The changes appeared to have the desired effect as Nigeria increased the tempo and began creating more opportunities in the final third.
Their attacking intent was eventually rewarded when Paul Onuachu calmly converted a penalty to restore Nigeria’s advantage and make it 2-1.
With time running out, the Super Eagles seemed set to record an impressive away victory over the European side.
The three-time African champions defended resolutely and looked capable of seeing out the contest.
But just when victory appeared certain, Poland produced one final push.
Five minutes into added time, Przemysław Wiśniewski capitalised on a late opportunity and fired home the equaliser, breaking Nigerian hearts and bringing the match to a dramatic conclusion.
The result means Nigeria were forced to settle for a draw despite being only moments away from victory.
The fixture also revived memories of the teams’ previous meeting in March 2018.
On that occasion, the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Poland in a World Cup warm-up match.
Former Chelsea winger Victor Moses scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute after being fouled by a Polish defender, giving Nigeria a memorable victory ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Following the draw in Warsaw, attention will now shift to Nigeria’s next international friendly against Portugal on June 10.
Although the Super Eagles will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the current series of friendly matches is providing an opportunity for Eric Chelle and his technical team to assess new players, refine tactical approaches, and build a stronger squad ahead of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“We share the spoils in Warsaw,” the Super Eagles stated after the match, reflecting on a contest that ended in frustration for Nigeria despite an encouraging overall performance.
