Poland and Nigeria Face Off in Friendly Match

Two countries that just missed out on the 2026 World Cup will meet today as Poland hosts Nigeria in a friendly at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Nigeria could not qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row after losing to DR Congo in the African playoffs final last November. Poland also missed out after losing to Sweden in the UEFA qualification play-offs.

Since failing to qualify, the Super Eagles have started rebuilding under coach Eric Chelle. They finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. In their last four matches, they have won three, scoring at least two goals in each.

Poland, managed by Jan Urban, is also trying to recover from their disappointment. They come into this match after losing 2, 0 to Ukraine on Sunday in Wrocław. Goals from Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmolenko in the first half decided that game.

Poland has not been able to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. They have given up at least two goals in three of those games. Coach Urban must be worried about the team's defense.

Before facing Nigeria, Poland risks suffering three straight losses for the first time in over three years. They have not gone without a win for three matches since a five-game winless streak from September to November 2024.

On the bright side, Poland can find some hope in the fact that their loss to Ukraine was their first defeat in a friendly since 2018. Nigeria was also responsible for one of their friendly losses that year, winning 1, 0 in March 2018.

Currently, Nigeria ranks 26th in the FIFA rankings, nine spots ahead of Poland in 35th. The Super Eagles are unbeaten in their last five matches (four wins and one draw) since losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals earlier this year. They finished third after defeating Egypt in the third-place match.

Nigeria heads into today’s match after a strong 3, 0 victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final. Alhassan Yusuf scored two goals, and Terem Moffi added another.

The Super Eagles have an advantage from their only previous meeting with Poland, where they won 1, 0 in 2018. However, they have only managed one win in their last eight matches against European teams since that victory.

Poland's veteran striker Robert Lewandowski might lead the attack again as he aims to increase his tally of 89 international goals.

Nigeria will miss key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for this match and their upcoming friendly against Portugal.