Former Nigerian midfielder Martins Ekwueme has said it is challenging to predict Nigeria’s starting lineup for the upcoming friendly against Poland on Wednesday, citing the inclusion of new players and the absence of key stars. The Super Eagles are preparing for the match without top forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who are unavailable for selection. Additionally, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were still missing from camp as of Monday evening, while Ola Aina and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were not included in the squad for the June fixtures. These absences have created uncertainty around the team’s formation and playing style.
Ekwueme, who now lives in Poland and has been a citizen since 2016, spoke to Polish sports outlet Przegląd Sportowy about the match. He emphasized that the friendly offers manager Eric Chelle a valuable chance to evaluate emerging talent in a competitive setting. “I’d love to see a match like this at the World Cup,” Ekwueme said. “The circumstances are different, though; it’ll be a test run. For Nigeria, it’s a good match to test the players the coach wants to bring into the squad. They’ll have a chance to show off against a strong national team.”
He added that recent squad changes, especially due to the lack of promotion in some players’ clubs, have introduced new faces into the team. “That’s why it’s hard for me to predict what kind of lineup Nigeria will play against Poland,” he explained. Despite the uncertainty, Ekwueme believes both teams boast strong rosters. “Regardless of who plays, both teams have strong rosters on paper. The players play in great leagues,” he noted.
Ekwueme’s own football journey has been extensive, with appearances for fifteen different Polish clubs over the years. His career includes stints at Jeziorak Iława, Polonia Warsaw, Wisła Kraków, Legia Warsaw, Zagłębie Lubin, Zawisza Bydgoszcz, Flota Świnoujście, LZS Piotrówka, Falubaz Zielona Góra, Górnik Polkowice, Lechia Zielona Góra, KS Legnickie Pole, AKS Strzegom, Korona Kożuchów, and Odra Ścinawa. His deep familiarity with Polish football gives him unique insight into the upcoming match.
Notably, Ekwueme did not attend Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Poland in March 2018 due to club commitments. His absence then contrasts with his current role as an observer and commentator on the rivalry. As Nigeria seeks to build momentum ahead of future competitions, this friendly against Poland serves as a crucial benchmark. The match will likely influence how the Super Eagles approach upcoming qualifiers and tournaments, making it a significant fixture in their calendar.
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