A dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time snatched victory from Nigeria’s Super Eagles, forcing a 2-2 draw against Poland in an international friendly at Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy Stadium. The match, played under the floodlights, saw the Nigerian side control much of the action but ultimately succumb to a familiar vulnerability: managing a lead in the dying minutes.
Defender Przemysław Wiśniewski delivered a thunderbolt in the fifth minute of added time, rescuing the hosts and denying Nigeria a well-earned win. The result extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 11 games over the past two years, a streak that now feels bittersweet.
The three-time African champions, both sides missing the World Cup, started brightly. With stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman absent, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi led the pressing game. In the 23rd minute, Moffi broke the deadlock. Captain Wilfred Ndidi initiated the move, Moses Simon crossed from the left, and Moffi tapped in past Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. The goal required a VAR review before being confirmed.
Poland responded methodically. Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński probed Nigeria’s defense, but the Eagles, under Eric Chelle, remained compact. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka dominated midfield for long spells. Yet, just before halftime, chaos in the box allowed Kacper Potulski to poke home the equalizer in the 45th minute, sending the teams into the break at 1-1.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions. Chelle introduced Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Rafiu Durosinmi to inject fresh energy. Poland also adjusted, increasing pressure in the final third.
The decisive moment seemed to swing Nigeria’s way in the 77th minute. A VAR review awarded a penalty for a foul in the box. Paul Onuachu stepped up and calmly converted, restoring Nigeria’s lead at 2-1. But Poland refused to yield. Their relentless push paid off in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Wiśniewski struck the last kick of the match, a ferocious shot that left the Nigerian defense stunned.
The Super Eagles now turn their attention to next Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal, a crucial preparation for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers starting in September.
