Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a major boost ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly against Poland following the arrival of defender Calvin Bassey in camp, with Head Coach Eric Chelle insisting his side will be playing for victory in Warsaw.
Bassey joined the squad at the team hotel on Tuesday, increasing the number of players in camp to 20 and giving the coaching crew more options across the defensive line.
The Fulham defender’s arrival provides additional strength at the back, where he could partner Semi Ajayi in central defence, while Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez remain available for selection.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Chelle said he is determined to instill a winning mentality in the team as preparations continue for future competitive assignments.
“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 and in the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday,” the coach said.
Germany-based forward Philip Otele, one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the recent Unity Cup in London, was expected to arrive later on Tuesday to complete the squad.
The Super Eagles also have healthy competition in goal, with Maduka Okoye impressing during training sessions after arriving in Warsaw on Monday. Arthur Okonkwo, who kept clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup triumph, and Francis Uzoho are also available.
In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi will lead a group that includes Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Abdullahi Bewene.
The attack features a blend of experience and firepower with Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, Paul Onuachu and Philip Otele all in contention.
Onuachu heads into the match in high spirits after learning he has won the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award. The striker was also among the standout performers during training sessions in Warsaw.
Poland are also expected to field a youthful side after handing opportunities to several new faces during their recent outing against Ukraine. Coach Jan Urban could rely on winger Jakub Kamiński alongside a number of emerging talents as the hosts continue to build for future competitions.
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The friendly will take place at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw and is scheduled to kick off at 8:45pm local time (7:45pm Nigerian time).
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed the fixtures for the President Federation Cup Round of 16, with several high-profile clashes set to take place across different centres on June 6.
Among the standout ties are Bendel Insurance against El-Kanemi Warriors, Rivers United versus Nasarawa United, and Ikorodu City taking on Enyimba in what promises to be a thrilling round of matches.
