Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland after a dramatic late equaliser in their international friendly match played in Warsaw on Wednesday.
The Eagles appeared to be heading for victory after goals from Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu gave them the lead. However, Przemyslaw Wisniewski struck in stoppage time to rescue a draw for the hosts.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed a debut to Abdullahi Bewene and named Maduka Okoye in goal. The defence featured Bewene, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez and Bruno Onyemaechi. Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Tochukwu Nnadi started in midfield, while Akor Adams, Moses Simon and Moffi led the attack.
Poland created the first opening of the game in the fourth minute when Jakub Kaminski met a cross with a free header, but he failed to hit the target.
Three minutes later, Nigeria almost gifted the hosts a goal as Akor Adams nearly headed the ball into his own net from a corner, but it went just wide.
Robert Lewandowski also had an opportunity in the 14th minute, but his effort from a set-piece was comfortably gathered by Okoye.
Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Simon delivered a low cross into the box and Moffi was on hand to finish from close range. The goal was checked by VAR before being awarded.
Poland continued to push forward, but Okoye remained alert and produced a fine save in the 28th minute to keep Nigeria ahead.
As the first half neared its end, Nnadi tested the Polish goalkeeper with a curling effort, but his shot was pushed away for a corner.
The home side found an equaliser shortly after the restart when Kaylee Potulski reacted quickest inside the box and fired home after Nigeria failed to clear a corner.
Chelle made seven substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi and Onuachu.
The changes added fresh energy to the team, with Otele immediately causing problems with a dangerous cross.
Lewandowski almost punished a mistake by Sanusi in the 71st minute after intercepting a poor back pass, but Okoye made the save.
Moments later, Sanusi tried his luck from distance with a powerful left-footed effort, but the Polish goalkeeper pushed the ball away.
Nigeria regained the lead in the 77th minute when Onuachu calmly converted a penalty after a Polish defender handled the ball inside the area.
Okoye then made another excellent save to deny Lewandowski from close range in the 82nd minute.
The goalkeeper was called into action again in added time and made a smart stop from a low shot as Poland searched for another goal.
Just when it looked like Nigeria would secure the win, Wisniewski unleashed a superb long-range strike in the 95th minute that flew past Okoye and into the net.
The late goal ensured the match ended 2-2, leaving the Super Eagles to settle for a draw despite a strong performance.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next friendly match against Portugal on June 10.
