Super Eagles and Sevilla star reveals what gives Nigeria edge over Poland

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams believes the team has developed a clear identity under head coach Eric Chelle, insisting that could give them an important advantage when they face Poland in Wednesday’s international friendly in Warsaw, Afrik-Foot reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle led the Nigerian delegation to the Polish capital on Monday after lifting the Unity Cup in London, where they defeated Jamaica in the final.

Nigeria go into the game ranked 26th in the world, nine places above Poland, who sit 35th in the FIFA rankings. The three-time African champions have also enjoyed a strong run under Chelle, who remains unbeaten in normal time since taking charge in January 2025.

The former Mali coach has introduced an aggressive 4-3-1-2 diamond system built around high pressing, quick transitions and intense work without the ball. Even with several important players unavailable, the Super Eagles have continued to pick up results, recording victories over Jamaica, Jordan and Zimbabwe during recent international windows.

Poland, however, represent a different type of test. The last time Nigeria faced European opposition, they suffered a painful 4-0 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon in November 2022. Yet Adams does not believe the Super Eagles should abandon the approach that has brought success in recent months.

The Sevilla striker explained that Nigeria’s growing football identity remains their biggest weapon.

“We have tried since the head coach came to build an identity around our strength. We play with a lot of intensity,” Adams told Ubuntu Pitch.

“We try to be as aggressive as possible and also we try to play with the ball. Take chances when we have them.

“Like every other game, we are going to play the same way, keep our DNA and try to get a good result.”

Adams confident despite limited Super Eagles preparation time

Adams was not part of Nigeria’s Unity Cup-winning squad but joined the team in Warsaw as preparations began for the friendly. The camp initially opened with 18 players before the number rose to 21 following the arrival of Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Basel forward Philip Otele just hours before kick-off.

While acknowledging that the squad has had little time to work together on the training pitch, Adams remains confident that the players understand what is expected of them.

“We have had a very short time to train and to prepare for the game. Like always, I think we are ready,” he said.

“We know why we are here. It’s a very good opponent and many of us have had many games in our legs through the season. So, we are ready and we will see what happens tomorrow.”

The match offers Chelle another opportunity to continue rebuilding the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A positive performance against Poland would further strengthen belief in the project the Malian coach has started and provide another sign that the team is moving in the right direction.

History is also on Nigeria’s side. The only previous senior international meeting between the two countries came in March 2018, when the Super Eagles defeated Poland 1-0 in Wroclaw thanks to a second-half penalty from Victor Moses ahead of the World Cup in Russia.