Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has praised Nigeria’s performance in their entertaining 2-2 draw against Poland, admitting that the team controlled much of the contest before adopting a more cautious approach in the second half.
The experienced midfielder returned to the starting lineup after missing Nigeria’s recent Unity Cup fixtures in London and proudly led the team out at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
Ndidi’s appearance carried added significance, as he was the only player in Nigeria’s starting XI who also featured in the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Poland in Wroclaw back in March 2018.
The Besiktas star completed the full 90 minutes and was one of only three Nigerian players, alongside goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and debutant Abdullahi Bewene, to play every minute of the encounter.
Despite taking the lead on two occasions, Nigeria were ultimately denied victory by a late Polish equaliser in a highly competitive international friendly.
Speaking after the match, Ndidi expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall display while acknowledging the shift in approach after the interval.
“It was a good game, it was brilliant,” Ndidi said. “We dominated the game. The first half was amazing and in the second half we tried to sit back a bit, defend more and then press. Overall, it was a good game.”
The captain also reiterated the team’s commitment to winning every match while staying true to their playing philosophy.
“We always try as much as possible to get a win in every game. With our philosophy and vision, the most important thing is to give a good performance, be at our best and see if we can win the game.”
Nigeria made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 23rd minute. Ndidi initiated the move with a driving run from midfield before releasing Moses Simon down the left flank. Simon delivered a dangerous low cross that Terem Moffi converted from close range.
Although the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, a VAR review overturned the decision and awarded the goal.
The Super Eagles continued to threaten, with Maduka Okoye producing a crucial save midway through the first half and Tochukwu Nnadi coming close to doubling the lead with a powerful effort that was brilliantly tipped over the bar.
However, Nigeria’s advantage disappeared deep into first-half stoppage time when 18-year-old Kacper Potulski reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner and bundled home the equaliser.
Head coach Eric Chelle made several changes at halftime, introducing Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Raphael Onyedika, Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi and Paul Onuachu in a bid to maintain Nigeria’s intensity.
The visitors regained control after the restart and continued to create opportunities, though they also relied on Okoye’s brilliance as the goalkeeper denied Poland captain Robert Lewandowski in a crucial one-on-one situation.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 80th minute when a VAR review identified a handball inside the Polish penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and substitute Paul Onuachu confidently dispatched the penalty to restore the Super Eagles’ lead.
Okoye produced two more outstanding saves to keep Nigeria ahead, but Poland eventually found a way back into the contest. Defender Przemyslaw Wisniewski unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat the Nigerian goalkeeper and secured a dramatic late equaliser.
While the result left Nigeria frustrated after coming so close to victory, there were plenty of positives for Chelle and his players.
The draw extended the Super Eagles’ unbeaten run in regulation time to an impressive 23 matches, underlining the growing resilience and consistency of the team as they continue their preparations for future challenges.
