Chelle explains seven changes as Nigeria draws 2-2 with Poland today

Nigeria's Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Poland in an international friendly at Warsaw's PGE Narodowy Stadium today. Coach Eric Chelle made seven changes at halftime, explaining that several players were struggling physically as they had already started their post-season holidays.

The halftime substitutions included bringing on Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi and Philip Otele, while withdrawing Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi and Akor Adams.

Chelle noted that even the captain, who normally does more on the pitch, was 'practically gone' after 60 minutes due to physical fatigue. This match serves as preparation for Nigeria's upcoming showdown with Portugal, with Chelle using the opportunity to assess different player combinations while managing player workload during the off-season transition.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/05/why-i-made-seven-changes-against-poland-nigeria-coach-chelle/