Poland Holds Nigeria to a 2-2 Draw in Warsaw.

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 2‑2 draw by hosts Poland in an international friendly played at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw last night.

Eric Chelle’s side were cruising to a 2‑1 victory until the usual inability to protect a lead in the closing minutes of a crucial game surfaced.

Defender Przemysław Wiśniewski struck a thunderbolt in the fifth minute of stoppage time to rescue a dramatic 2‑2 equaliser for the home side and denied the Super Eagles a win.

The draw extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 11 games over the last two years.

The three‑time African champions, who missed the World Cup just like their Polish hosts, began the friendly brightly in Warsaw with Akor Adams and Terem Moffi pressing hard in the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who skipped the match for reasons known to them.

In the 23rd minute, Moffi gave Nigeria the lead. He finished off a move started by captain Wilfred Ndidi before Moses Simon delivered a cross from the left flank into the box for Moffi to tap into the net beyond Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. The goal was awarded after a VAR intervention.

Poland responded gradually, with Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński attempting to unlock Nigeria’s defensive structure.

However, Chelle’s side remained compact and disciplined, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka controlling midfield battles effectively for long spells.

The hosts eventually drew level just before the break. In the 45th minute, Kacper Potulski reacted quickest inside the box after a scramble to poke home the equaliser, sending both sides into half‑time locked at 1‑1 after a competitive first half.

After the restart, both teams made several changes in search of fresh energy and attacking inspiration.

Chelle brought in Paul Onuachu for Moffi, Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika for Frank Onyeka, Zaidu Sanusi for Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey for Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi for Phillip Otele, and Rafiu Durosinmi for Tochukwu Nnadi to strengthen vital areas of the Nigerian team, while Poland also adjusted their structure to increase pressure in the final third.

The decisive moment initially looked to have gone Nigeria’s way in the 77th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box. Paul Onuachu stepped up with confidence and converted calmly to restore Nigeria’s lead at 2‑1.

However, Poland refused to back down and continued to push forward in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Wiśniewski struck the last kick of the added six minutes to rescue a dramatic equaliser for the home side.

After the four‑nation Unity Cup tournament in London and this game in Warsaw, the Super Eagles will now shift attention to next week’s Wednesday international friendly with Portugal in the build‑up to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers starting in September.