Ex-International: Poland, Portugal Friendlies Good Test For Eagles

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Former Nigerian international Obafemi Abiodun believes the forthcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal will be a good test for the Super Eagles.

The three-time African champions will face Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday before traveling to Leiria for another friendly against European heavyweight and World Cup Favourites Portugal on June 10.

The match, scheduled to take place at the 58,000-capacity Stadion PGE Narodowy, will mark only the second senior-level meeting between Nigeria and Poland. The two sides previously met on March 23, 2018, when Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory in a World Cup warm-up match in Wroclaw, courtesy of a goal from Victor Moses.

“I think the two games the Super Eagles will play against Poland and Portugal will surely be a good test for Nigeria. With the team going through a rebuilding process, these are the kinds of games that test the players’ mental strength.

“The outcome of the two games shouldn’t be the major concern, but how well the players played. I expect a good performance for the Super Eagles.”

A New Cycle

The friendly also presents another major European test for both nations after they failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the two sides now beginning preparations for a new cycle ahead of future tournaments.

Nigeria are expected to use the match to further assess Chelle’s evolving squad, with several new faces impressing during the Unity Cup campaign, particularly Femi Azeez before his injury setback.

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However, the Super Eagles will be without key stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Chelle confirmed that Osimhen was excused due to issues surrounding his club future, while Lookman was allowed to rest after fatigue concerns following a long season.

Super Eagles head coach Chelle is focused on building a winning mentality in the squad despite the players switching off and wanting to go on holiday after the season.

“There is a culture of winning that we are trying to build in this team, and that mentality is important. You can say that it is difficult to have games at this time because the players have been in holiday mood for about two weeks, but the job must be done,” he told NFF.