Eight Key Facts About Poland’s Eagles Before Their Friendly Match Against Nigeria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will renew their quest for supremacy against Poland’s senior national team – the Eagles – when the two sides meet in an international friendly in Warsaw on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

The match is part of Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures and is one of two high‑profile friendlies scheduled for June, the other being a game against Portugal on 10 June in Leiria.

It will be only the second senior‑level meeting between the two nations. Their first encounter took place in March 2018, when the Super Eagles won 1‑0 in Wrocław thanks to a goal from Victor Moses.

While Nigeria enters the game buoyed by their triumph at the 2026 Unity Cup, Poland will be eager to rebound from consecutive defeats and deliver a strong performance before their home supporters.

Also Read: Owen Oseni Reflects On Historic Super Eagles Bow At Unity Cup

As anticipation builds ahead of the showdown in Warsaw, Completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI highlights eight fascinating facts about Poland’s senior men’s national team.

First International Match Was In 1921

Poland’s first-ever international match was against Hungary on 18 December 1921.

The match, which took place in Budapest, ended in a 1‑0 defeat for Poland.

First World Cup Appearance Was At The 1938 Edition

Poland’s first appearance at the FIFA senior men’s World Cup came at the 1938 edition in France.

Poland, alongside Norway, the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and Cuba, were the four teams that made their debuts at the third edition of the World Cup.

The tournament began in the Round of 16, where Poland faced Brazil, with the South Americans winning 6‑5 after extra time.

Poland Has Made Nine Appearances At The FIFA Senior Men’s World Cup

Poland has featured nine times at the FIFA senior men’s World Cup.

After making their debut in 1938, the Polish side also qualified for the 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Finished Third Twice At The FIFA World Cup

The Polish team has finished third twice at the FIFA senior men’s World Cup.

The first time Poland secured third place was at the 1974 edition in the former West Germany.

In the third‑place match against Brazil, Poland triumphed 1‑0 thanks to Grzegorz Lato’s 76th‑minute goal.

They repeated the feat at the 1982 tournament in Spain, edging France 3‑2 in the third‑place match.

Highest‑Ever FIFA Ranking Was Fifth Position

The highest position Poland has reached in the FIFA men’s world rankings was fifth place in 2017.

Their lowest ranking was 78th in 2013, and they are currently ranked 35th following the release of the rankings on 1 April 2026.

Also Read: 10 Super Eagles Stars Who Lifted Silverware In The 2025/26 Season

Won Gold In Football At The Munich 1972 Olympics

Poland won gold in the football event at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

The Polish team topped a group containing Ghana, former East Germany and Colombia in the first round.

They also finished top of their group, which included the former Soviet Union, Denmark and Morocco, in the second round to secure qualification for the final.

In the final against Hungary, Poland won 2‑1 to claim their first and only Olympic football gold medal.

Produced The Top Goalscorer At The FIFA World Cup

Grzegorz Lato is the only Polish player to finish as the top goalscorer at the FIFA senior men’s World Cup.

Lato finished as the tournament’s leading scorer at the 1974 edition in West Germany with seven goals.

His goals helped Poland secure a third‑place finish at the tournament.

Has Produced A Winner Of The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award

Robert Lewandowski is the only Polish player to have won The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

Lewandowski, a former Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona striker, won the award in successive years, claiming the honour in both 2020 and 2021.