Sports
Nigeria’s Super Eagles Held By Poland In Warsaw
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by the White-Reds of Poland in an international friendly match played in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
Following the successful defence of the Unity Cup in London, Eric Chelle welcomed most of his regulars back to the squad, with just some players like Igoh Ogbu, Terem Moffi, and a host of others joining the squad in Warsaw.
Maduka Okoye returned to start between the sticks, while Ogbu retained his spot at the heart of the backline, and he was joined by Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi and debutant Abdullahi Bewene. Chelle opted for a mix of experience in midfield with skipper Wilfred Ndidi and Tochukwu Nnadi starting together, and then the trio of Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Moffi in attack.
Poland could have taken the lead in the opening ten minutes of the contest at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw as they went close. Jakub Kaminski headed his effort wide when he should have done better in the third minute before Ndidi nearly turned a Poland corner into his side’s net moments later.
After those two early chances for the home side, Nigeria seized control of the game, playing some exciting football and combining very well. The moment of sustained pressure ended with a goal for the Super Eagles in the 23rd minute. After some lovely build-up, Moses Simon’s low cross into the box was expertly finished by Moffi for his second goal in two games.
Nnadi then forced the Polish goalkeeper into a strong save, as Nigeria tried to double their advantage. In stoppage time, the home side got back on level terms through Kacper Potulski after the Super Eagles failed to deal with a corner from the right. It was 1-1 at halftime.
Before the restart, Chelle made several changes, introducing Philip Otele, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Rafiu Durosinmi, Raphael Onyedika, and Zaidu Sanusi, and bringing on Paul Onuachu for Akor Adams, Fernandez, Ogbu, Moffi, Frank Onyeka, Nnadi, and Onyemaechi.
Those changes took a bit of steam out of the Super Eagles, who were struggling for dominance compared to the opening half. However, Onuachu and Onyedika could have put Nigeria back into the lead, but they could not get their attempts on target.
Okoye then made a big stop to deny Robert Lewandowski after a poor back-pass from Zaidu Sanusi. At the other end, Sanusi’s fierce goal-bound strike was pushed away by Poland goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. However, Nigeria were awarded a spot-kick in the final quarter, and Onuachu stepped up to put Nigeria ahead in the 77th minute.
The Super Eagles came under a lot of intense pressure in the final moments of the contest, with goalkeeper Okoye making a double save to retain Nigeria’s lead. Meanwhile, with the final kick of the game, Przemyslaw Wisniewski scored an unstoppable equaliser for the hosts to ensure a share of the spoils.
Eric Chelle and his men will now head to Portugal for another friendly game, where they will be facing the 2016 European champions, who are heading to the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a timely response to his critics on Tuesday, scoring twice as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston.
The emphatic win revived Portugal’s World Cup campaign after their opening draw against DR Congo and moved Roberto Martínez’s side into a strong position in the race for a place in the Round of 32.
Ronaldo wasted little time making his mark. The 41-year-old forward opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing from a João Cancelo assist to give Portugal an early advantage.
The goal saw him become the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups, further extending his remarkable international legacy.
Portugal doubled their lead in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, whose attacking run and clinical finish exposed Uzbekistan’s defensive frailties.
The Europeans continued to dominate possession and territory, pinning their opponents deep inside their own half.
Ronaldo struck again six minutes before the break, converting after being picked out by Bruno Fernandes.
The goal handed Portugal a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time and underlined the veteran forward’s enduring influence on the international stage.
Any hopes of an Uzbek comeback disappeared shortly after the restart when goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 60th minute, extending Portugal’s lead to four.
With the contest effectively settled, Portugal controlled proceedings and continued to create chances against a tiring Uzbek defence.
Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute, finishing brilliantly after a well-worked move involving Nelson Semedo to cap a dominant display from the 2016 European champions.
The victory leaves Portugal firmly back in contention for qualification ahead of their final group match, while Uzbekistan face a must-win encounter against DR Congo to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
For Ronaldo, however, the night belonged to him. Having faced growing questions about his role in the national team, the Portuguese captain answered in the most emphatic manner possible with goals, records and a performance that reminded the football world why he remains one of the game’s defining figures.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has reached agreement on a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Chelle entered the new agreement with NFF during a meeting at the National Sports Commission, NSC, headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and Chelle attended the meeting.
Chelle will now earn $100,000 monthly, in place of his earlier $45,000 salary, following the new agreement.
The Malian’s assistants will also now be paid by the NFF.
The 48-year-old, who was appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025, guided the Super Eagles to third position at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has broken the record for the most goals in World Cup history with 18 goals after a brace in a win against Austria.
The defending champions won 2-0 after a hard fought game against Austria, but were able to get the win after Messi scored in both halves of the game.
Messi, who is widely regarded as the greatest footballer ever surpassed Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals.
Argentina now have two wins in two games and have qualified for the next round as they look to successfully defend the title.
Meanwhile Austria will look to seal their qualification to the next round in their last game against Algeria.
*Hajia Hansatu Zannah Applauds Tinubu, Shettima at Three-Year Milestone*
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