Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has confirmed his intention to play against the Super Eagles again, ahead of Poland’s squad announcement for their upcoming friendly match against Nigeria. The 37-year-old forward, who remains committed to international football despite Poland’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will report for the May training camp. Poland manager Jan Urban is set to reveal the squad list on Tuesday, May 26, just two days before the team begins preparations for the friendlies against Ukraine and Nigeria.
Lewandowski, who captained Poland during their 1-0 loss to Nigeria in a pre-World Cup friendly at Tarczyński Arena Wrocław in March 2018, has expressed his desire to be part of the upcoming fixtures. That match saw former Chelsea winger Victor Moses score the decisive penalty shortly after the hour mark. The Polish star told Eleven Sports, “As for the June training camp, I’ll definitely be there.” He added that the camp may carry special significance due to the recent passing of coach Jacek Magiera, and he wants to pay tribute by participating in the matches.
Lewandowski’s international career has spanned six major tournaments, including four UEFA European Championships (2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024), where he scored six goals, and two FIFA World Cups (2018 and 2022), contributing two goals. His experience and leadership remain vital to Poland’s national team, even as they navigate a period of transition following their World Cup qualification failure.
The upcoming friendly against Nigeria holds nostalgic value for both teams. Current Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, and Moses Simon were all part of the Nigerian squad that defeated Poland eight years ago. That victory remains a memorable moment in Nigeria’s recent football history, and the return of Lewandowski adds a new layer of anticipation to the upcoming encounter.
As Nigeria continues to build momentum ahead of upcoming qualifiers and international fixtures, the prospect of facing a seasoned veteran like Lewandowski offers both a challenge and an opportunity. The match is expected to draw significant attention from fans across Nigeria and Poland, with both teams using the friendly as a platform to test their form and prepare for future competitions. The upcoming clash could mark a meaningful chapter in the ongoing football rivalry between the two nations.
Leave a Comment