Poland vs Nigeria preview, prediction, team news: Super Eagles seek to extend unbeaten run without Osimhen

Nigeria continue their European tour on Wednesday night when they take on Poland in an international friendly at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Afrik-Foot reports.

The match comes less than a week after the Super Eagles produced one of their most convincing performances under head coach Eric Chelle, defeating Jamaica 3-0 to successfully retain the Unity Cup in London. That victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run and provided further evidence that the team is beginning to adapt to Chelle’s tactical ideas.

Meanwhile, the fixture represents an opportunity for Poland to respond to recent disappointments. The White and Reds are attempting to rebuild after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and arrive in this game looking to restore confidence in front of their home supporters.

Although it is only a friendly, there is considerable interest surrounding the contest. Nigeria and Poland are among Europe’s and Africa’s most recognisable football nations, and with both teams entering a new cycle, the game offers an important opportunity to assess progress ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Match preview

Nigeria travel to Warsaw in excellent spirits after a run of positive results. The Super Eagles have won three of their last four matches, scoring nine goals and conceding only three during that period.

The biggest challenge facing Chelle is how his side copes without several important attacking players. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, arguably Nigeria’s two most influential forwards in recent years, are unavailable. Their absence will force the coach to look elsewhere for goals and creativity.

The friendly could therefore become an audition for several fringe players hoping to establish themselves in the national team. Forwards such as Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Owen Oseni may receive opportunities to impress against high-level opposition.

Poland, meanwhile, will view this fixture as a chance to stop a worrying slide. Consecutive defeats to Sweden and Ukraine have raised questions about the team’s direction. Playing before more than 58,000 supporters in Warsaw, Jan Urban’s men will be under pressure to produce a much-improved display.

The hosts still possess plenty of quality, particularly through veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, whose experience and finishing ability has defined his legacy as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards of this decade.

Head-to-head record

Interestingly, the two nations have met only once in senior international football.

That encounter took place in March 2018 in Wrocław as both teams prepared for the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

On that occasion, Nigeria emerged victorious thanks to a second-half penalty from Victor Moses. The former Chelsea winger calmly converted from the spot to hand the Super Eagles a memorable 1-0 victory on Polish soil.

Nigeria therefore enter Wednesday’s contest with a perfect record against the Poles, although the eight-year gap between the two meetings means both teams look very different today.

Recent form

Nigeria’s last four matches

Nigeria 3-0 Jamaica (Unity Cup)
Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe (Unity Cup)
Jordan 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly)
Iran 1-2 Nigeria (Friendly)

The Super Eagles are unbeaten in their last four matches, recording three victories and one draw. Their attack has looked increasingly fluid, while the defence has shown greater organisation under Chelle.

Poland’s last three matches

Poland 0-2 Ukraine (Friendly)
Sweden 3-2 Poland (World Cup qualification final)
Poland 2-1 Albania (World Cup qualification semi-final)

Poland have lost two of their last three matches and have conceded six goals during that period. Defensive consistency remains a concern for the hosts.

Team news

Nigeria

Chelle has been forced into several changes for the trip to Poland. Osimhen has been excused from international duty while he resolves his club future. Atalanta forward Lookman has been rested after a demanding season, while Femi Azeez misses out despite impressing at the Unity Cup.

The squad has also been affected by withdrawals from Alhassan Yusuf, Samson Tijani and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

However, the match could provide opportunities for emerging players. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo kept clean sheets on his first two starts for Nigeria, while Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf and Philip Otele are all pushing for increased involvement.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Calvin Bassey and playmaker Alex Iwobi are expected to form the experienced core of the team.

Poland

Poland arrive with most of their leading players available.

Lewandowski remains the focal point of the attack and is expected to partner Karol Świderski up front. Behind them, Piotr Zieliński and Sebastian Szymański provide creativity and control in midfield.

The hosts are also likely to rely on the energy of attackers Oskar Pietuszewski and Sebastian Szymański, who will look to stretch Nigeria’s defence.

Possible line-ups

Nigeria (4-3-3)

Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru; Chukwueze, Onuachu, Moses Simon.

Poland (3-4-3)

Bułka; Kiwior, Wiśniewski, Kędziora; Pyrka, Zieliński, Piotrowski, Zalewski; Świderski, Lewandowski, Szymański

Key battle

Robert Lewandowski vs Calvin Bassey

Much of the spotlight will fall on Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Barcelona legend Lewandowski.

Even at this stage of his career, Lewandowski remains one of the smartest strikers in world football. His movement inside the penalty area and ability to exploit defensive mistakes will test Nigeria’s back line throughout the evening.

Bassey, meanwhile, has developed into one of Nigeria’s most reliable defenders. His pace, strength and aggression could prove crucial if the Super Eagles are to keep Poland’s captain quiet.

Match details

Fixture: Poland vs Nigeria
Competition: International Friendly
Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Kick-off: 7:45pm Nigerian time (WAT)
Venue: PGE Narodowy Stadium, Warsaw
Referee: Marian Barbu (Romania)

Prediction

This should be a closely contested friendly between two teams attempting to build momentum after missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria arrive in better form and appear to have greater confidence following their Unity Cup success. Poland possess home advantage and arguably the most dangerous individual player on the pitch in Lewandowski.

The absence of Osimhen and Lookman reduces Nigeria’s attacking firepower, but the Super Eagles still have enough pace and creativity through Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi to cause problems.

Expect a competitive match with chances at both ends. Nigeria’s recent defensive solidity may ultimately make the difference.

Prediction: Poland 1-2 Nigeria.