A last-gasp goal from defender Przemyslaw Wisniewski denied Nigeria victory as the Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland in an international friendly in Warsaw on Wednesday night.
Eric Chelle’s side looked on course for an impressive away win after second-half substitute Paul Onuachu restored their lead from the penalty spot, but the hosts struck deep into stoppage time to salvage a share of the spoils.
The Super Eagles made a bright start and found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute through Terem Moffi following a well-worked attacking move.
Moffi latched onto an assist from Moses Simon and calmly finished past the Polish goalkeeper for his third goal in as many appearances for Nigeria during this window.
The goal was initially subjected to a VAR review amid claims that Simon had strayed offside in the build-up, but the decision eventually went in Nigeria’s favour.
Buoyed by the opener, Nigeria grew into the contest and nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Tochukwu Nnadi unleashed a curling effort that narrowly missed the target in the 39th minute.
However, Poland responded just before the interval as Kacper Potulski restored parity for the hosts to ensure the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Chelle made wholesale changes at halftime, introducing Calvin Bassey, Paul Onuachu, Raphael Onyedika, Zaidu Sanusi, Philip Otele, Semi Ajayi and Rafiu Durosinmi for Igho Ogbu, Moffi, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Adams, Emmanuel Fernandez and Nnadi respectively.
The changes injected fresh energy into the Nigerian side and Onuachu almost made an immediate impact in the 54th minute, but his header from a perfectly weighted cross drifted inches wide.
Moments later, Onyedika blazed an effort over the bar, while Sanusi also came close with a strike that was tipped over by the Polish goalkeeper.
Nigeria regained the lead in the 76th minute after VAR awarded the visitors a penalty for handball against a Polish defender.
Onuachu stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.
Poland pushed for another equaliser and almost found one in the 80th minute, but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye produced a superb double save to keep Nigeria in front.
The visitors appeared set to hold on for victory, only for Wisniewski to strike from close range in the closing moments to make it 2-2 and rescue a draw for the hosts.
Nigeria will continue their European tour with another friendly against Portugal next Wednesday.
