Confirmed: Super Eagles XI vs Poland – Bewene makes debut, Bassey, Okonkwo benched

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a strong starting lineup for the international friendly against Poland, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria head into the match full of confidence after an impressive Unity Cup campaign, where they recorded a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the semifinal and a 3-0 victory against Jamaica in the final, extending their dominance in the competition.

Chelle has made several changes to the squad, as many players were not part of the Unity Cup team and are only just returning to the group.

Super Eagles Starting XI vs Poland

Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returns to the starting lineup after missing the Unity Cup tournament, ahead of Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho, who are watching on from the bench.

Left-back: Bruno Onyemaechi

Onyemaechi is back in the lineup for the first time since the 2-1 win over Iran in March. He gets the nod ahead of Zaidu Sanusi, who starts on the bench.

Right-back: Abdullahi Bewene

Banik Ostrava right-back Bewene makes his senior debut just days after earning a call-up to the team. The versatile full-back was handed a late invitation following several withdrawals from the squad and will be keen to impress Chelle in his first outing for the Super Eagles.

Centre-back: Emmanuel Fernandez

Highly-rated defender Fernandez earns his third appearance for Nigeria and will partner Ogbu with the aim of keeping the Poland’s attackers at bay. 

Centre-back: Igoh Ogbu

Ogbu enjoyed an impressive time at the Unity Cup tournament and has been preferred to start alongside Fernandez.

Central midfield: Wilfred Ndidi

The Super Eagles captain returns after missing the Unity Cup, where Terem Moffi wore the armband. He partners Frank Onyeka in midfield to provide protection against the threat of Robert Lewandowski and his teammates.

Central midfield: Frank Onyeka

Onyeka also returns to the XI for the first time since the 2-2 draw with Jordan in March and this will be his 44th appearance for Nigeria.

Attacking midfield: Tochukwu Nnadi

Nnadi impressed during the Unity Cup with his maturity in midfield and now gets another chance to prove himself in the national team setup.

Left-Wing: Moses Simon

Simon makes his 97th Super Eagles appearance, moving level with Joseph Yobo in joint fourth place. He scored twice during the friendly games in March and will be looking to add to his tally once again.

Striker: Terem Moffi

Moffi had a strong Unity Cup showing with a goal and two assists and will aim to continue his form, partnering Adams in attack.

Striker: Akor Adams

Adams makes his 14th appearance for the Super Eagles. He will lead the attack alongside Moffi and will be looking to add to his five international goals for Nigeria.