Poland midfielder Nicola Zalewski has warned his team to remain cautious ahead of their upcoming friendly against Nigeria, despite the absence of star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The match, set to take place after Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica in London, will see the Super Eagles defend their Unity Cup title. Although key players are missing, Zalewski emphasized that Nigeria remains a formidable opponent due to their physical strength and pace.
During the pre-match press conference, Zalewski revealed he had only recently learned that both Osimhen and Lookman would not be available for the game. He acknowledged the challenge Nigeria presents, even without their top scorers. “I’ve only just learned that Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen will not be playing,” Zalewski said, underscoring the need for Poland to prepare thoroughly.
The Atalanta midfielder highlighted Nigeria’s physicality and speed as major threats. “But Nigeria is a very, very good team, strong physically, and very, very fast. We have to watch out for them because it will be a good match,” he added. His comments reflect a respect for the Super Eagles’ overall squad depth and tactical discipline, even in the absence of their most high-profile attackers.
Zalewski also reflected on Poland’s recent performance against Ukraine, admitting it fell short of expectations. “We played a slightly weaker match against Ukraine, although we created a few chances that we could have converted into goals,” he noted. The midfielder’s assessment suggests Poland is seeking improvement ahead of the Nigeria clash, aiming to deliver a more consistent performance.
Osimhen’s absence is due to a request from his club, Galatasaray, which asked that he be excused from international duty. Lookman, on the other hand, will miss the game for personal reasons. Despite these absences, Nigeria’s squad remains competitive, with several experienced players ready to step up. The Super Eagles’ recent win over Jamaica demonstrated their ability to dominate even without their star forwards.
The upcoming friendly serves as an important test for both teams as they prepare for future competitions. For Nigeria, it’s an opportunity to build momentum and assess squad depth. For Poland, it’s a chance to regain form after a disappointing outing against Ukraine. The match is expected to be intense, with both sides aiming to end their preparation on a high note.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Nigeria adapts without Osimhen and Lookman, and whether Poland can capitalize on the perceived gap. The encounter promises to be a test of resilience, strategy, and team cohesion on both sides.
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