Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has urged his squad to shake off off-season sluggishness and keep an uncompromising “winning mentality” as they prepare for a major international friendly against Poland tomorrow.
The Franco-Malian manager, coming off a successful Unity Cup title defence in London on Saturday, put 16 of his available players through an 80-minute session in wet conditions at Stadion Polonii Warszawa on Monday night. Chelle sees the trip to the 58,000-capacity Stadion PGE Narodowy as a key indicator of how mentally tough his side can be when it matters.
“There is a culture of winning that we are trying to build in this team, and that mentality is important,” Chelle said after the workout. “You can say it is difficult to have games at this time because the players have been in holiday mode for about two weeks, but the job must be done.”
Chelle’s immediate task is to guide a transitional group as Nigeria looks to rebuild following the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles were edged out in a penalty shootout by DR Congo. Poland’s own campaign ended in a similar manner, with the European play-off final against Sweden also going to penalties, and Thursday’s friendly is therefore viewed as a significant reset point for both coaches.
Even with squad constraints, Chelle did not look for excuses. Semi Ajayi and debutant Abdullahi Bewene were not involved in Monday’s session due to late arrival issues, but the head coach made it clear his preparation will continue regardless of the circumstances.
“We have 18 players in camp now and we will work with that. Everybody must work hard and we will go into the match with the determination to win,” Chelle added.
Preparations are expected to intensify again later today, with Chelle set to lead the Super Eagles for their official training session one day before kick-off at Stadion PGE Narodowy.
With an attacking line featuring Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi, Chelle will be targeting an extension of Nigeria’s current run of four matches unbeaten. He will also aim to test a Polish team that were beaten 2-0 by Ukraine on Sunday.
In terms of squad availability, Lazio forward Fisayo Dele-Bashiru increased the contingent in Warsaw to 19 after he arrived late on Monday night.
Super Eagles squad in Warsaw
- Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo.
- Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, Abdullahi Bewene.
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi.
- Forwards: Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Jerome Akor Adams, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Recent results listed in the build-up
- 17/01/26: Egypt 0-0 Nigeria (AFCON third-place match) — Nigeria won after a penalty shootout.
- 27/03/26: Iran 1-2 Nigeria (International Friendly).
- 31/03/26: Jordan 2-2 Nigeria (International Friendly).
- 26/05/26: Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe (Unity Cup 2026).
