The Super Eagles take on Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3 — their first European friendly of the summer. With Osimhen and Lookman absent, here is your full preview, predicted XI and betting prediction.
The Super Eagles head to Warsaw for their first European test of the summer, facing Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium on June 3, 2026. Nigeria arrive on the back of their dominant Unity Cup title defence — a 3-0 win over Jamaica in London on May 31 — in good spirits but with a significantly reshaped squad. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alhassan Yusuf, and Samson Tijani have all been withdrawn from the travelling party, meaning coach Eric Chelle must rely on a different attacking combination against a European nation ranked inside the top 20 in the world. This Nigeria vs Poland preview breaks down everything Nigerian fans need to know ahead of kick-off.
The Poland vs Nigeria friendly takes place on Wednesday June 3, 2026, at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw — Poland’s national stadium with a capacity of over 58,000. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time (Warsaw), which is 19:45 UK time and 20:45 Nigerian time (WAT). The match will be broadcast on SuperSport channels in Nigeria.
The biggest story heading into this fixture is the number of withdrawals from Nigeria’s original squad. Head coach Eric Chelle confirmed on May 31 that four players would not travel to mainland Europe.
Victor Osimhen has been excused from both the Poland and Portugal friendlies to deal with personal matters, which are widely reported to be connected to uncertainty over his club future this summer. Ademola Lookman was also excused after an intense season with Atalanta, with his physical condition a concern ahead of pre-season. Samuel Chukwueze withdrew following the recent death of his mother and will not be involved in either European friendly. Alhassan Yusuf — ironically the standout player of the Unity Cup with four goals — will not travel because of visa complications, as he and Samson Tijani were unable to obtain the necessary Schengen-area travel documents in time.
To compensate, Chelle has called up Millwall forward Femi Azeez, who impressed during the Unity Cup with goals in the semi-final and the final, and is now set to be a regular fixture in the Super Eagles attack.
Without Osimhen, Lookman, and Chukwueze, Chelle will need to construct a forward line from the options available. Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, and Femi Azeez are the realistic attacking choices, with Simon’s experience likely to make him a starter on the left or right flank.
The midfield is more settled, with Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi expected to start. Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi should feature in defence alongside the experienced William Troost-Ekong. In goal, Arthur Okonkwo — who impressed during the Unity Cup — may continue as first choice after a strong tournament showing.
Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Okonkwo; Sanusi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Ola Aina; Ndidi, Iwobi; Azeez, Simon, another winger; Onuachu.
Poland arrive in this fixture with their own narrative. Robert Lewandowski continues to be their focal point in attack, and at 37 years of age he is still capable of decisive moments at international level. Poland qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will use these summer friendlies as preparation for their group-stage campaign in North America.
The Poles are physically strong and well-organised defensively under their current setup. Their home record at the PGE Narodowy makes them formidable opponents — the size and atmosphere of the stadium tends to lift the home side, and Nigeria will need composure on the ball to avoid being overrun in midfield.
Nigeria have a reasonable record against European opposition in friendly settings, but the combination of absences and the hostile environment in Warsaw makes this a genuine test. Chelle’s tactical approach — typically compact and counter-attacking — may serve Nigeria well away from home.
For Nigerian bettors, this fixture offers several interesting markets. Poland are expected to be moderate favourites given home advantage and Nigeria’s missing stars. A home win is likely priced around 2.00–2.20, a draw around 3.20–3.40, and a Nigeria win around 3.50–3.80 on platforms like Bet9ja and SportyBet. Always check current odds in-app before placing.
Both teams to score is an interesting angle given Nigeria’s attacking talent even in weakened form, and the Poles’ tendency to push forward at home. Lewandowski anytime scorer carries obvious appeal, but at likely short odds the value is limited.
Prediction: Poland 1-1 Nigeria. Without Osimhen and Lookman, Nigeria are unlikely to create the volume of chances needed to win comfortably away from home. A well-organised defensive display backed by a goal from Paul Onuachu or Femi Azeez feels like a realistic and respectable outcome. Check today’s tips on NigerianMatchday for the latest markets as kick-off approaches.
