Poland vs Nigeria is the next game for the Super Eagles, as they travel to the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw for a high-profile friendly encounter on Wednesday, June 3, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle will be brimming with confidence heading into this clash, having just led a relatively new squad to successfully defend the Unity Cup in London.
Now that the big stars have gathered in Warsaw, he is expected to oversee an even more impressive performance. Although he is without the services of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, the squad still boasts players capable of producing moments of magic like Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, and Alex Iwobi.
The Poles are perennial underachievers, having yet to add a major trophy to their cabinet; however, that does not make them pushovers. They possess top talents who are capable of changing the game in an instant. In this article, Soccernet.ng explores five Polish players who could prove decisive in Wednesday’s battle against Nigeria.
Poland vs Nigeria: Five Polish Players To Watch Out For
1. Piotr Zieliński
Inter Milan’s Piotr Zieliński is one of the senior figures in the Polish setup. The 32-year-old central midfielder is renowned for his elite ball control, brilliant passing range, and dexterity with both feet.
Equally dangerous as an attacking midfielder, he is a constant threat inside the box. With 18 goals in 108 appearances for the Biało-czerwoni, the Super Eagles’ midfield will certainly have their work cut out for them.
2. Sebastian Szymański
Szymański is one of the primary creative sparks for the Polish national team. The Rennes star is an industrious player, known for covering every blade of grass throughout the 90 minutes. He is also a dead-ball specialist, meaning the Super Eagles must be disciplined to avoid conceding cheap set-pieces.
Szymański also knows how to get amongst the goals, as he has delivered six goal in his 53 caps for Poland.
3. Matty Cash
Aston Villa defender Matty Cash presents a distinct tactical challenge for the Super Eagles. While he typically starts at right-back, his impact is felt all over the pitch.
Cash loves to surge forward to support the attack, yet possesses the recovery pace to track back defensively. Whoever starts at left-back for Nigeria will certainly have a difficult task on their hands.
4. Oskar Pietuszewski
Porto star Oskar Pietuszewski may only be 18 years old, but he is widely considered the next big thing in Polish football.
The young winger is an explosive player who could punish the Super Eagles in transition. A talented dribbler with a powerful shot, he is eager to cement his status as a regular starter under coach Jan Urban.
5. Robert Lewandowski
The Polish captain is departing Barcelona this summer following the expiration of his contract, but Lewandowski has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has earned 166 caps for his country, boasting an impressive tally of 89 goals.
The Nigerian center-backs must remain alert; Lewandowski is clinical in the box, dominant in the air, and capable of both long-range strikes and playmaking. If the Super Eagles can keep him quiet, they will have a strong chance of securing a victory.
