By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were left stunned in Warsaw when Poland snatched a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 2-2 in a friendly that saw the visitors twice take the lead.
Eric Chelle named a competitive starting side with Maduka Okoye in goal and Abdullahi Bewene earning his first cap alongside Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence.
Wilfred Ndidi, Tochukwu Nnadi and Frank Onyeka controlled midfield while Akor Adams supported Terem Moffi and Moses Simon in attack.
Poland began brightly and nearly scored early when Jakub Kaminski failed to connect with a header from a dangerous cross.
Akor Adams also survived an anxious moment when he nearly diverted a corner into his own net, while Robert Lewandowski forced Okoye into a comfortable save from a set-piece.
Nigeria grew into the game and broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute as Moffi calmly finished a low cross from Simon, though the goal was only confirmed after a VAR check.
Okoye made several important saves to keep Poland at bay before the break, and Nnadi went close with a curling long-range effort that was pushed away for a corner.
Poland levelled shortly after the restart when Kaylee Potulski pounced on a loose ball inside the box after Nigeria failed to clear a corner properly.
Chelle responded with sweeping changes, introducing Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi and Paul Onuachu.
The fresh legs immediately lifted the team, with Otele causing problems with a dangerous cross and Sanusi forcing a strong save with a powerful left-footed strike.
Nigeria regained the lead in the 77th minute after a Polish defender handled inside the area. Onuachu stepped up and converted the penalty with composure to make it 2-1.
Okoye produced further heroics to protect the advantage, notably denying Lewandowski from close range and reacting quickly to another effort in stoppage time.
The resilience proved in vain. In the 95th minute, Przemyslaw Wisniewski unleashed a powerful long-range volley that beat Okoye and flew into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
The dramatic equaliser denied the Super Eagles what would have been a morale-boosting victory in a highly competitive encounter.
Despite the late disappointment, Nigeria showed attacking efficiency and gained valuable minutes for several players.
Persecondnews reports that focus has already turned to June 10.
A friendly against 2026 World Cup qualifiers Portugal awaits—a significantly tougher test as the team prepares for the international stage.
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