Poland vs Nigeria: Chelle aims for victory with Bassey

Head Coach Eric Chelle declared that Nigeria would go all out for victory when they faced Poland in an international friendly on June 3, 2026, as the arrival of defender Calvin Bassey provided a significant boost to the Super Eagles in Warsaw. Bassey joined the squad at the team’s Presidential Hotel on June 2, increasing the players in camp to 20 and giving Chelle a near-complete squad ahead of the encounter against the White-Reds.

The Fulham defender’s addition strengthened Nigeria’s defensive options and came as the team sought to build on the momentum generated by their recent Unity Cup triumph in London. Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle emphasized that his team would approach the fixture with a winning mindset. "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, in the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday," the coach stated.

The Franco-Malian tactician recently led the Super Eagles to another Unity Cup victory after winning against Zimbabwe and Jamaica. The friendly against Poland presented an opportunity to assess his squad while reinforcing a culture of competitiveness and winning. With Bassey now available, Chelle had several options in defence. The former Ajax player could partner Semi Ajayi in central defence, while Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez provided additional cover. The coach also had quality choices in the full-back positions, with Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi expected to compete for the left-back role.

Competition for the goalkeeper position was equally intense. Maduka Okoye, who arrived in Warsaw on June 1, impressed during training and would battle Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho for a starting spot. Okonkwo had a bright start to his international career, maintaining clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup tournament.

In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi was expected to lead a group that included Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, and young Abdullahi Bewene. Nigeria’s attacking options were formidable, featuring Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Paul Onuachu. Onuachu arrived in camp in good spirits after winning the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award. Germany-based winger Philip Otele, who made a significant impact in the Unity Cup, was expected to join later on June 2.

Like Nigeria, Poland was using the international window to evaluate new players. Head coach Jan Urban offered opportunities to several debutants in the squad’s recent matchup against Ukraine and planned to continue experimenting with his lineup. Winger Jakub Kamiński was among the players expected to play a prominent role for the hosts, alongside other emerging talents eager to make their mark. The friendly match was scheduled to take place at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, with kick-off set for 7:45 p.m. Nigerian time.