Super Eagles Aim for Victory Against Poland as Bassey Joins Squad

Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has said Nigeria is ready to win when they face Poland in an international friendly on Wednesday. The arrival of defender Calvin Bassey has given the team a big boost in Warsaw.

Bassey joined the squad at the team’s Presidential Hotel on Tuesday. This brings the number of players in camp to 20, giving Chelle almost a full squad ahead of the game against the White-Reds.

The Fulham defender’s presence strengthens Nigeria’s defence. The Super Eagles are looking to build on the success from their recent Unity Cup win in London.

Before the match, Chelle emphasized that his team would aim for victory. “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 said.

Chelle recently led the Super Eagles to another Unity Cup win after beating Zimbabwe and Jamaica. The friendly against Poland is a chance to check on his players and keep the winning spirit alive.

With Bassey available, Chelle has more options in defence. The former Ajax player can team up with Semi Ajayi in central defence. Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez also provide extra support.

In the full-back positions, there is good competition. Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi are expected to fight for the left-back spot.

The race for the goalkeeper position is also tough. Maduka Okoye, who arrived in Warsaw on Monday, had a good training session. He will compete with Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho for the starting spot.

Okonkwo has started his international career well, keeping clean sheets in his first two matches for Nigeria during the Unity Cup.

In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi is set to lead a group that includes Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, and young player Abdullahi Bewene.

Nigeria’s attack looks strong too, with Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Paul Onuachu ready to play.

Onuachu joined the camp in high spirits after winning the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award. Germany-based winger Philip Otele, who performed well during the Unity Cup, is expected to arrive later on Tuesday.

Like Nigeria, Poland is also using this international break to try out new players. Head coach Jan Urban gave chances to several debutants in his team’s last game against Ukraine and is likely to keep experimenting.

Winger Jakub Kamiński is among the players who may play a key role for the hosts, along with other young talents keen to make an impression.

Wednesday’s match will take place at the 58,000-seat PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw. Kick-off is set for 7:45 p.m. Nigerian time.