Nigeria twice took the lead against Poland only to be pegged back on both occasions, settling for a 2-2 draw in an entertaining international friendly at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw on Wednesday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Terem Moffi broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a composed finish from Moses Simon’s pass, only for Kacper Potulski to level in first-half stoppage time.
Paul Onuachu came off the bench to restore Nigeria’s lead from the penalty spot in the 77th minute, before Przemyslaw Wisniewski struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to deny the Super Eagles a deserved win.
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Chelle made seven changes at half-time, using the friendly exactly as he had promised to hand minutes across his squad.
Here is how every player that featured rated on the night.
Maduka Okoye — 6.5/10
Solid between the sticks in the first half. Could do nothing about Potulski’s equaliser, which was well-placed and clinical. Commanded his area with authority and made one important stop before being rested at the break.
Abdullahi Bewene — 5/10
Picked up a yellow card in the 59th minute and looked uncomfortable at right-back throughout. Poland found space down his flank too easily on several occasions. The booking sums up a difficult outing.
Igoh Ogbu — 6/10
Steady enough in the centre of defence without doing anything spectacular. Replaced at half-time as part of Chelle’s mass substitution rather than any performance-related concern.
Emmanuel Fernandez — 7/10
The Rangers man was the best of the backline in the first half, reading danger well and winning his individual duels. Continues to look the part at this level.
Bruno Onyemaechi — 6/10
Got forward when he could and did his defensive duties without fuss. Replaced by Zaidu Sanusi at the break as Chelle rotated.
Wilfred Ndidi — 7/10
Brought the experience and calm the midfield needed. Screened the backline effectively and kept possession ticking. A reminder of what Nigeria have been missing in his absence from recent squads.
Tochukwu Nnadi — 6.5/10
Decent in his holding role alongside Ndidi. Worked hard without the ball and made several important interceptions before being replaced at half-time.
Frank Onyeka — 6/10
Put in a shift in the middle of the park but was not always able to impose himself on the game. Made way for Onyedika at the break.
Moses Simon — 7/10
One of the better performers in the first half. His assist for Moffi’s opener was precisely weighted and showed the kind of quality that has made him a reliable presence in this squad. Replaced by Dele-Bashiru in the 63rd minute.
Akor Adams — 6.5/10
Lively throughout the first half, pressing Poland’s backline and creating moments of uncertainty with his movement. Did not get a clear sight of goal but contributed intelligently. Replaced by Otele at half-time.
Terem Moffi — 8/10
Got Nigeria going with a well-taken 23rd-minute opener, finishing calmly from Simon’s pass. Led the line with energy and gave Poland’s centre-backs real problems before being replaced by Onuachu at the break. Another strong performance from the captain.
SECOND HALF SUBSTITUTES
Calvin Bassey — 6.5/10
Came on for Ogbu at half-time and brought composure to the backline. Dealt with Poland’s second-half pressure without major alarm.
Paul Onuachu — 8/10
Stepped off the bench and immediately made his mark. Converted the 77th-minute penalty with complete composure to put Nigeria back in front. His physical presence caused Poland problems every time he received the ball.
Raphael Onyedika — 6/10
Picked up a yellow card in the 79th minute which overshadowed what was otherwise a tidy midfield performance. Needs to stay disciplined in these moments.
Zaidu Sanusi — 6.5/10
Came on at left-back and did his job competently. Showed his experience and gave Nigeria defensive solidity down the left in the second period.
Philip Otele — 6.5/10
Energetic after coming on for Adams at half-time. Worked hard across the front line and created a couple of half-chances without quite finding the finish.
Semi Ajayi — 6/10
Replaced Fernandez at half-time and held his ground in the second half. Looked solid enough, particularly in the air.
Rafiu Durosinmi — 6/10
Replaced Nnadi and operated in a more advanced role. Held the ball up reasonably well but lacked the final ball in key moments.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru — 6.5/10
Came on for Simon in the 63rd minute and added some drive from midfield. His energy helped Nigeria push for the winner before Poland snatched the late equaliser.
