Ndidi Joins Super Eagles Camp in Warsaw as Chelle Eyes Poland Victory

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has linked up with the Nigerian national team in Warsaw ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly against Poland, boosting head coach Eric Chelle’s squad as preparations intensify for the crucial encounter.

Ndidi arrived alongside fellow stars Moses Simon and Akor Adams, who were included in Nigeria’s squad for the June international window but missed the team’s successful Unity Cup campaign in London, where a youthful Eagles side emerged champions at The Valley Stadium.

The Super Eagles landed in the Polish capital on Monday and immediately commenced preparations, holding their first training session under light rain at Stadion Polonii Warsaw ahead of Wednesday’s clash at the PGE Narodowy Stadium.

According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, 18 players have reported to camp, although only 16 participated in the opening training session.

The goalkeeping department comprises Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo, while the outfield contingent includes Ndidi, Simon, Adams, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igho Ogbu, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi and Abdullahi Ibrahim.

Moffi, who captained the Super Eagles during their Unity Cup triumph in London, is expected to play a key role as Chelle continues to assess his squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Following the friendly against Poland, Nigeria will travel to Portugal for another high-profile test against the Selecao, which will serve as the team’s final match of the current international window.

Fresh from guiding the Super Eagles to a successful Unity Cup title defence, Chelle expressed confidence ahead of the Poland showdown, emphasizing his desire to instill a winning mentality within the squad.

“There is a culture of winning that we are trying to build in this team, and that mentality is important. You can say that it is difficult to have games at this time because the players have been in holiday mood for about two weeks, but the job must be done,” Chelle said.

“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.”

The Franco-Malian tactician will, however, be without some key players for the friendlies. African Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are unavailable, while midfielder Alhassan Yusuf and winger Samuel Chukwueze are also absent, with the latter recently mourning the loss of his mother.

Despite the missing stars, the Super Eagles will be aiming to build on their recent success and continue their positive momentum when they take on Poland on Wednesday.