Super Eagles' opening goal during Wednesday night's entertaining 2-2 international friendly in Warsaw is down to a lack of experience and communication, says Poland goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match at the PGE Narodowy Stadium saw both teams share four goals in a lively contest. Nigeria twice moved ahead, only for Poland to respond on each occasion, with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser ensuring the hosts avoided defeat.
While experienced figures such as Robert Lewandowski led Poland, several newer faces were also involved. Nigeria handed 21-year-old Abdullahi Bewene his Super Eagles debut, while Grabara himself was making only his sixth appearance for the Poland national team.
Kamil Grabara, Robert Lewandowski during Poland vs Nigeria Super Eagles friendly. Copyright: xFotoxOlimpikx IMAGO
Reflecting on the game afterwards, the 27-year-old goalkeeper pointed to a lack of leadership and organisation around Nigeria's first goal, which came after a mistake in Poland's build-up play.
“Most of the players in the current squad are familiar faces,” Grabara said according to Laczynaspilka. “I've known some of them for ten years, so I can say I feel a bit old in the national team. It's our role as older players to give the debutants even more guidance.
“Maybe that guidance was missing with Nigeria's first goal. It's a shame it ended this way, but I wouldn't worry about a large defensive rotation.”
Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi nets the opener against Poland. Copyright: xFotoxOlimpikx IMAGO
Super Eagles shine as Grabara accepts responsibility after costly pass
Nigeria punished Poland in the 25th minute when Moses Simon capitalised on a defensive error before setting up Terem Moffi for the opening goal. Poland responded just before the break through Kacper Potulski, who converted a delivery from Nicola Zalewski in first-half stoppage time.
Eric Chelle made seven substitutions at half-time as Nigeria looked to test more players. The three-time African champions regained the lead in the 77th minute when substitute Paul Onuachu converted from the penalty spot, but Poland rescued a draw through Przemysław Wiśniewski deep into added time.
Grabara admitted that his own pass contributed to the move that led to Nigeria's opener and said he was disappointed with that moment despite Poland eventually recovering.
“If I'd scored in the first half, I'm sure no one would have blamed me. As a goalkeeper, I want to save everything I can, so I'm critical of myself and try to analyze every goal. It's true that my pass wasn't strong enough, but it's good that the guys fixed it. There's definitely no place for such passes in the national team,” Grabara noted.
Super Eagles v Poland Copyright: xAndrzejxIwanczukxIMAGO
Despite the mistake, the goalkeeper was pleased to continue building his international career under coach Jan Urban, who himself has shared his thoughts about the draw with the Super Eagles.
“I've managed to play more matches for the national team than I have since my debut. I'm glad the coach is giving me a chance. I wish I had more international appearances than he did when I was Łukasz Skorupski's age,” concluded the goalkeeper.
The statistics reflected how closely contested the match was. Nigeria enjoyed 51 per cent possession compared to Poland's 49, while the hosts registered 12 shots to Nigeria's nine. Poland also had more efforts on target, eight to five, but Maduka Okoye's six saves helped the Super Eagles remain in front for long periods before Wiśniewski's late equaliser secured a 2-2 draw.
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
