Eric Chelle has named a refreshed Super Eagles side for Wednesday evening’s international friendly against Poland in Warsaw, with newly invited defender Abdullahi Bewene immediately thrown into the starting lineup, Footynaija reports.
Nigeria head into the contest in confident mood after lifting the 2026 Unity Cup. Chelle’s men edged past Zimbabwe thanks to a memorable brace from debutant Femi Azeez before overcoming Jamaica in the final to continue their positive run under the Franco-Malian coach.
With Azeez unavailable after being withdrawn from the squad, Bewene has been handed an opportunity to impress from the start. The Banik Ostrava defender slots in at right-back and will make his first appearance in Super Eagles colours at the PGE Narodowy Stadium.
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Maduka Okoye returns between the posts, reclaiming the starting goalkeeper role after Arthur Okonkwo’s impressive performances during the Unity Cup campaign. In defence, Bruno Onyemaechi occupies the left-back position, while Igoh Ogbu and Rangers Player of the Year Emmanuel Fernandez continue their partnership in central defence.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is back in the heart of midfield and will be joined by Tochukwu Nnadi and Frank Onyeka as Chelle opts for a strong and energetic engine room.
Further forward, Moses Simon is expected to provide creativity and attacking thrust behind the striking duo of Terem Moffi and Akor Adams, who will carry Nigeria’s goalscoring hopes against the Eagles of Poland.
The hosts come into the match seeking a response after their recent defeat to Ukraine, despite featuring experienced stars such as Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zieliński, Nicola Zalewski and Jakub Kiwior.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm (Nigerian time).
