Super Eagles vs Poland: How Nigeria have fared against the White and Reds

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have enjoyed a perfect record against Poland at senior international level, although the two countries have met only once before, Afrik-Foot reports.

That solitary encounter came eight years ago, and it remains one of Nigeria’s most impressive victories against a European opponent in recent times.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Poland again in Warsaw on Wednesday, it is worth revisiting the only previous meeting between the two nations and examining Nigeria’s wider struggles against European opposition since that memorable evening.

Nigeria and Poland first met in an international friendly on March 23, 2018, at the Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw. The match formed part of both countries’ preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and attracted significant attention because of the quality of players on display.

Poland entered the game boasting one of Europe’s most feared strikers in Robert Lewandowski, while Nigeria arrived with a squad packed with talent including Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong.

After a tightly contested first half, the decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute. Victor Moses burst into the Polish penalty area, dribbled past defenders and won a penalty. The former Chelsea winger then stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score the only goal of the match.

🎥🇵🇱🇳🇬 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: The last time the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced the Biało-czerwoni of Poland in a friendly match in 2018! (3 Minutes Highlight).

What are your thoughts on this game? Can we beat them again? 🤔

🎥: [YT/Football Star] https://t.co/MwD1B2ifOg pic.twitter.com/YyLdcvbH71

— Banky G 🎤⚽ (@BankyGee_) June 2, 2026

That strike proved enough to secure a famous 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s defence was outstanding throughout the contest. The centre-back partnership of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong, later nicknamed the “Oyibo Wall” by supporters, successfully contained Lewandowski and prevented Poland from finding a breakthrough.

Behind them, young goalkeeper Francis Uzoho delivered a confident display and made several important saves to preserve Nigeria’s lead. By the final whistle, the Super Eagles had completed a disciplined defensive performance and recorded their first-ever win over Poland.

The result gave Nigeria a perfect head-to-head record against the European nation.

Super Eagles: What happened afterwards and the current situation

Interestingly, Since Nigeria’s victory over Poland, the Super Eagles have only secured one victory in seven games against European nations, losing five.

Just four days after defeating Poland, the Super Eagles were beaten 2-0 by Serbia in another friendly. Their preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup became even more difficult when England secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria at Wembley in June, before the Czech Republic claimed a 1-0 win in the final warm-up match.

Nigeria’s opening fixture at the 2018 World Cup was against Croatia. Inspired by Luka Modric and a strong midfield performance, the Croatians secured a 2-0 victory.

The Super Eagles responded brilliantly in their second group match, defeating Iceland 2-0 thanks to a memorable Ahmed Musa brace.

The Super Eagles managed a 2-2 draw against Ukraine in September 2019 but suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Portugal in November 2022 in their most recent meeting with European opposition.

Now, another chapter is set to be written. Nigeria, under head coach Eric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi, return to Poland for only the second meeting between the countries. The match will take place at the 58,000-capacity Stadion PGE Narodowy in Warsaw.

The Super Eagles arrive in confident mood after a commanding 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup. Both Nigeria and Poland are using the fixture as part of efforts to rebuild and move forward after narrowly missing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.