Poland head coach Jan Urban has praised his side’s resilience after they fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Nigeria in a high tempo international friendly at the Stadion PGE Narodowy in Warsaw.
The encounter, played in front of a packed 58,000 capacity crowd, saw the Super Eagles take the lead twice through Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu, before Poland responded with goals from Kacper Potulski and Przemyslaw Wiśniewski the latter arriving deep into stoppage time to rescue a draw for the hosts.
Nigeria had opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Moffi finished from close range after a precise pass from Wilfred Ndidi and a low cross from Moses Simon. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision to confirm the Super Eagles’ lead.
Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi nets the opener against Poland. Photocredit: Imago
Poland responded late in the first half when a corner caused confusion inside the Nigerian box, allowing Potulski to react quickest and level the contest just before the break.
After the restart, Nigeria regained control and eventually went ahead again when VAR intervened for a handball inside the Polish area. Paul Onuachu stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to restore Nigeria’s advantage.
However, Poland refused to accept defeat. Despite several missed chances and strong saves from Maduka Okoye, the hosts pushed forward until the final moments, when Wiśniewski struck a powerful 25-yard effort that flew beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper to secure a 2-2 draw.
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Reflecting on the performance, Urban expressed satisfaction with his team’s display, insisting Poland had matched a strong Nigerian side throughout the contest.
“The scenario from the previous matches repeated itself we played, the opponent scored. But I wasn’t concerned because we played well,” Urban said.
“We played well after the goal. It was a good match against a good team. That goal could have been easily prevented. The opponent doesn’t create many chances but is very clinical.”
Poland coach Jan Urban and defender Przemysław Wiśniewski have reacted to their 2-2 draw with Nigeria, praising their performance and insisting they deserved a result after a strong display in Warsaw. Photocredit: Getty Images
The Poland coach added that he was encouraged by the intensity and organization of his squad, particularly against a physically strong Nigerian side.
“I didn’t feel helpless looking at the players. It was a really good match,” he noted.
Match-winner Wiśniewski also reflected on the result, insisting Poland had done enough to earn a share of the spoils after a strong defensive and collective display.
“We knew we were in for a very physical match. Nigeria didn’t have many scoring opportunities apart from the goals,” he said.
“We conceded two goals, but overall, we were better defensively. We analyzed the match against Ukraine and improved.”
The defender, who scored the dramatic equalizer, admitted the strike was unexpected but crucial in salvaging the result for his side.
“I never have a celebration prepared because I don’t usually score goals,” Wiśniewski said.
“I just raised my arms. I’ve never scored a goal like that, and I don’t know if I ever will.”
The draw leaves both sides with positives to take, with Poland gaining confidence from their response against a strong Super Eagles team, while Nigeria will reflect on another late concession after twice taking the lead in Warsaw.
