Super Eagles camp swells as Bassey arrives

...Chelle eyes winning return against Poland

 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

The Super Eagles camp in Warsaw continued to gather momentum on Tuesday as players steadily strolled into camp ahead of Wednesday's high-profile international friendly against Poland, with defender Calvin Bassey becoming the latest arrival.

Bassey's arrival at the team's Warsaw Presidential Hotel increased the number of players in camp to 20, giving Head Coach Eric Chelle almost a full complement of options as Nigeria prepares to face the White-Reds at the 58,000 capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium.

With Germany-based winger Philip Otele also expected later on Tuesday night, the camp is gradually taking shape after players arrived in batches following the successful Unity Cup campaign in London.

Despite the staggered arrivals, Chelle remains focused on building a winning culture within the national team.

"We have a team now and we are preparing to go out there and win. Winning is the mentality that we are trying to create in the team and among the players. We will go for a win on Wednesday," the Franco-Malian tactician declared.

The arrival of Fulham defender Bassey significantly boosts Nigeria's defensive options. 

Chelle can now pair the powerful centre-back with Semi Ajayi, while Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez provide additional depth at the heart of the defence.

In goal, Maduka Okoye has already impressed after joining the squad on Monday and immediately taking part in training sessions. 

He will battle for the starting shirt with Arthur Okonkwo, who recorded clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup triumph, and experienced shot-stopper Francis Uzoho.

At full-back, Portuguese league champion Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi are expected to compete for the left-back position, while captain Wilfred Ndidi leads a packed midfield contingent that includes Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and promising youngster Abdullahi Bewene.

The attacking department also offers plenty of excitement. Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi, Paul Onuachu and the expected arrival of Otele provide Chelle with a variety of attacking weapons.

Onuachu enters the match in a particularly buoyant mood after waking up in Warsaw on Tuesday to the news that he had won the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season award. 

The towering striker was also one of the standout performers during Monday's training session.

Wednesday's encounter presents another opportunity for Chelle to assess his growing squad after handing several players their international debuts during Nigeria's victorious Unity Cup campaign.

Poland are also expected to field a youthful side, having experimented with several newcomers during their recent outing against Ukraine. 

Coach Jan Urban will likely look to dangerous winger Jakub Kamiński and a host of emerging talents as the hosts seek to test the three-time African champions.

For Nigeria, however, the focus remains firmly on continuing the winning momentum established in London. 

As more players continue to trickle into camp and competition for places intensifies, the Super Eagles appear determined to make another statement on European soil.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm Nigerian time on Wednesday in Warsaw.