Poland vs Nigeria: Chelle Targets Another Win as Bassey Boosts Super Eagles Squad

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Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has declared that Nigeria will go all out for victory when they face Poland in an international friendly on Wednesday, as the arrival of defender Calvin Bassey handed the team a major boost in Warsaw.

Bassey joined the squad at the team’s Presidential Hotel on Tuesday, increasing the number of players in camp to 20 and giving Chelle a near-complete squad ahead of the encounter against the White-Reds at the 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium.

The Fulham defender’s arrival strengthens Nigeria’s defensive options and comes as the Super Eagles seek to build on the momentum generated by their recent Unity Cup triumph in London.

“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, in the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday,” Chelle said.

The Franco-Malian tactician recently led the Super Eagles to another Unity Cup success after victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica. The friendly against Poland presents another opportunity to assess his squad while reinforcing a culture of competitiveness and winning.

With Bassey now available, Chelle has several options in defence. The former Ajax player can partner Semi Ajayi in central defence, while Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez provide additional cover.

In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi is expected to lead a group that includes Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, and youngster Abdullahi Bewene.

Nigeria’s attacking options also appear formidable, with Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Paul Onuachu available for selection. Onuachu arrived in camp in buoyant mood after learning he had won the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award.

Competition is equally intense in goal, with Maduka Okoye battling Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho for a starting berth. Okonkwo has enjoyed a bright start to his international career, keeping clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria.

Like Nigeria, Poland are also using the international window to assess new faces. Head coach Jan Urban handed opportunities to several debutants in his side’s recent outing against Ukraine and is expected to continue experimenting with his squad.

Wednesday’s encounter will be played at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Nigerian time.

Sources: Premium Times