Paul Onuachu Backs Super Eagles to Compete With World’s Best Ahead of Poland and Portugal Friendlies

Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu has issued a measured but firm assessment of Nigeria’s quality ahead of two marquee international friendlies, insisting the Super Eagles possess the tools to challenge elite opposition on the global stage.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Poland in Warsaw before heading to Leiria for a fixture against Portugal. Both matches are expected to serve as key preparation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, giving head coach Eric Chelle an opportunity to assess his squad against high-calibre European opposition.

Speaking directly from the national team camp, Onuachu said the mood within the group was upbeat and that the players are fully committed to making a statement. “It’s always nice to come around the team and meet the boys again. Of course, we are ready and prepared. We have the quality to play against any team in the world, and hopefully we are going to show that against Poland and Portugal,” the striker said.

The forward, however, did not shy away from acknowledging the collective disappointment surrounding Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Sadly, we are not going to the World Cup. We have world-class players, but unfortunately, we are not going. That’s football,” he said. Nigeria’s absence from the tournament — which kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — remains a sore point for players and supporters alike, particularly given the calibre of talent available to the national side.

Onuachu arrives in camp in strong form following a highly productive domestic season with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. The 29-year-old striker registered 22 goals from 30 league appearances, finishing among the division’s leading scorers. He also played a pivotal role in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup triumph, netting twice in the final against Konyaspor to help secure the trophy.

Reflecting on the club campaign, Onuachu credited the collective spirit within the Trabzonspor dressing room for driving their success. “We had an amazing season, especially considering our budget compared to some of the bigger clubs. We worked hard and gave everything. Winning the Cup was a great feeling for the players, the fans, and the entire city,” he said.

The former Southampton centre-forward has long been one of the Super Eagles’ most physically imposing attacking options, and his return to the squad in such form will be welcomed by Chelle’s technical staff. At 2.01 metres tall, Onuachu offers a distinctive aerial threat that few defenders in international football are equipped to handle.

The friendlies against Poland and Portugal represent a significant opportunity for Nigeria to rebuild confidence and cohesion following their World Cup qualifying disappointment. Portugal, ranked among Europe’s top sides and led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will provide a particularly stern test of the Super Eagles’ aspirations. Poland, meanwhile, offer a physical, well-organised challenge that should give the Nigerian defence meaningful preparation ahead of competitive action.

The Super Eagles’ performance across both fixtures will be closely monitored as Chelle continues to shape his squad ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifying rounds, with the tournament set to be hosted on African soil.